The Capitol Theater: A Part of Racine History

The Capitol, built in 1928, just before WWII broke out, with an old Wurlitzer organ that was built in. It could show both sound & silent movies. In 1976, the organ was sadly taken out, “twinned” to create 2 smaller theaters that was renamed The Park (for it’s proximity to Washington Park & Park High School) would become one of the 1st Value Cinemas where older movies would come back at a cheaper price for people to watch. Being that I lived near there, I’ve seen many movies, used it as a meetup place, and so many fond memories of the architecture… In the fall of 1987, not long after I graduated high school, it closed down. The current owner wanted to be able to use one theater for movies and the other as kind of a museum and collected a lot of Racine antiques. But, due to health problems (that I can relate to), things happened… Here are some important links, in hopes local people especially, or those who would be interested in future visiting to have a look at what we’re missing out on.

How ornate, intricate, majestic, antique, unique, awesome, so many different adjectives come to mind...  I remember wanting to come in, possibly to see an old movie, or maybe the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or whatever it could be. I think it would be neat to go in dressed as a flapper, just to celebrate the era this was erected.

I remember wanting to come in, possibly to see an old movie, or maybe the Rocky Horror Picture Show, or whatever it could be.  I think it would be neat to go in dressed as a flapper, just to celebrate the era this was erected.

To learn more about The Capitol/Park Theater, please visit the website - there is an option to be able to pledge money to help restore the building. If nothing happens, you won’t be asked to give the pledge.  A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise funds to buy the building. It is a tax-deductible donation, and if the building ends up not being acquired for the purposes of Preservation Racine, which an organization that works to preserve historic landmarks, buildings, and more, locally.  You can passively support the organization on Facebook.

Please also consider signing the petition to send to the Mayor of Racine, WI & City Council of Racine right here.  I encourage local & regional people to sign & share a memory by commenting. Those who support keeping & updating the building is especially encouraged to comment, especially if there is a design to visit or share an experience of lost local history near you that you wish you still had. Thanks in advance for reading & hopefully supporting!

This is our last chance!  The raze could start as early as 02/03/2021.  City Council decided that on 02/19/2021.  We are asking everyone to write their alderman to please put a 3-month pause on razing the theater.  The aldermen who voted no are:

District 7 - Horton - Maurice.Horton@cityofracine.org

District 15 - Lemke - Melissa.Lemke@cityofracine.org

District 5 - Levie - Jennifer.Levie@cityofracine.org

District 14 - Meekma - Jason.Meekma@cityofracine.org

District 10 - Peete - Sam.Peete@cityofracine.org

District 4 - Santiago - Edwin.Santiagojr@cityofracine.org

District 3 - Tate - John.TateII@cityofracine.org

District 8 - West - Marcus.West@cityofracine.org

Please send a big thank you to those who voted yes:

District 1 - Coe - Jeff.Coe@cityofracine.org

District 2 - Jones - Mollie.Jones@cityofracine.org

District 9 - Jung - Trevor.Jung@cityofracine.org

District 11 - Land - Mary.Land@cityofracine.org

District 6 - Peterson - Jeffrey.Peterson@cityofracine.org

District 13 - Taft - Natalia.Taft@cityofracine.org

Not sure if he was not present or abstained:

District 12 - Perez - Henry.Perez@cityofracine.org

Whether you agree or disagree with their vote, please be respectful.  We catch more bees with honey than vinegar.

*Fun Fact* - A New Orleans style music group, STELLA, has offered to do a fundraising performance here to help Save the Capitol-Park Theater!