Old theaters really spark our nostalgia, curiosity and interest and the Ward Memorial Theater at the Old Solders Home on the grounds of the Zablocki VA Medical Center seems to ignite wonder and interest more than most. Here’s a look at its past, present and future.
Old theaters really spark our nostalgia, curiosity and interest and the Ward Memorial Theater at the Old Solders Home on the grounds of the Zablocki VA Medical Center seems to ignite wonder and interest more than most.
Perhaps it’s the beautiful exterior or the historic setting. Maybe it’s the out-of-time interior with its wooden seats (that have top hat holders affixed underneath), array of viewing boxes and murals.
Surely that excitement is due in part to the “secret” balcony-level space that is practically wallpapered in vintage show posters that have remarkably maintained the vibrant colors of their intriguing designs promoting long-since-departed performers.
Although the 900-seat theater has been mothballed for a few decades now, its glory days ended considerably earlier than that.
But, still, we long to see it restored and reopened, even if we don’t exactly know for what purpose.
Movies? Concerts? Plays? All of the above?
The good news is that there is now a solid plan – with financing! – to restore the 1881 theater, which was designed by Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch, the architect of City Hall, The Pfister Hotel, Turner Hall, Gesu Church and other landmarks.
After the successful restoration of neighboring Old Main and the Administration Building into supportive housing for homeless veterans, the same developer – The Alexander Company – is now part of a team that will restore three more buildings on the grounds.
