Eagles Club
The Eagles Club is a Milwaukee icon, and place of enjoyment since it’s realization in 1926. At the time it was built it boasted a swimming pool, restaurant, bowling alley and ballroom. Since 1986 it has been part of the National Register of Historic Places and well deservedly so. Once its conversation to concert hall was complete, the Rave/Eagles Club has hosted some of the biggest names in the music business, and I myself have attended a great many of them. I find that places that are restored without the purpose of being used are not worth the process of restoration or preservation.
From my own visits TEC, I sense a bit of disrepair, some indifference but mostly reverences for the grand past of the building. The ceiling, ballroom and staircases really do give you this old, creepy, worn-in, yet beautiful and tender feeling. I love the stories of the many ghosts that haunt the rooms, always and underground passages of the place. The EC has grown to be come part of myth and lore in Milwaukee, not only as a concert venue and host to modern fun.
Section 106 dictates the use of, and inclusion of the public in the makings and decisions as to what the nation, city and other groups deem as having Historical importance. That the world is a changing place, and the people who live within it need to dictate the things that which educate us and we wish to retain as important. The Eagles Club is perfect for explaining a building that not only has had importance, but also will continue to have importance for many years to come. It continues to make history continuously.
Images courtesy of: http://www.therave.com/historic_eagles_club.asp
"National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, As Amended through 2006." Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation. USA.gov, 2011.
I would have to say that because of all the bands that come and the vast majority of people that attend those events it would be smart to keep it a historical landmark. The building has great importance and brings up questions from the people that attend an event there.
ReplyDeleteI agree, The Eagles Club is a great example of a building that has changed with the times, repurposing itself to fit better the needs of the community. And it's so true, every time I'm there for a concert I am first awed by the magnificent grandeur of the building before I am the performer.
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