Lake Geneva in Walworth County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Riviera

Photographed By Connor Olson, April 22, 2023

1. The Riviera Marker

Inscription.

The Riviera was designed by architect James Roy Allen and constructed during the Depression by the city of Lake Geneva to provide jobs for local workers. The cost of $55,000 was paid by the sale of public bonds. Construction began on March 2, 1932, and the formal opening was on May 22, 1933, featuring Wayne King and his orchestra. Originally called "Northport", the name "The Riviera" was selected from entries in a local contest. From the 1930's to the 1950's, the Riviera Ballroom hosted a number of big bands, including Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Louis Armstrong. In the 1970's, the ballroom became the Top Deck and featured stars such as Chubby Checker, Herman's Hermits, and Stevie Wonder. In 1983 the city restored the Riviera as a civic events space.

The Riviera was placed on the State and National Register of Historic Places by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the United States Department of the Interior in 1986.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1933.

Location. 42° 35.409′ N, 88° 26.167′ W. Marker is in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in Walworth County. Marker can be reached from Wrigley Drive south of Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva WI 53147, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Whiting House & Hotel Geneva (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andy Gump (about 500 feet away); Main Street Historic District (about 600 feet away); Historic Lake Geneva (about 600 feet away); Maple Park (about 700 feet away); The Lake Geneva Public Library (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Main Street Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Maple Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Geneva.

Photographed By Connor Olson, April 22, 2023

2. The Riviera Marker

Photographed By Connor Olson, April 22, 2023

3. The Riviera

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2023, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.