Documentation

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Sioux Theatre (11-00275)

Also known as: Sioux Rapids Area Historical Museum

218 Main St
Sioux Rapids IA

History and Architecture

Construction date

1946

Historic function(s)

Domestic/single dwelling/residence
Commerce/trade/restaurant
Recreation and culture/theater/movie theater
Recreation and culture/theater/playhouse

Current function(s)

Recreation and culture/theater/movie theater
Recreation and culture/theater/playhouse
Recreation and culture/auditorium
Recreation and culture/museum

Architectural classification(s)

Modern movement: moderne

Architect(s)

Wetherell and Harrison, Des Moines, IA

Builder(s)

Hersom, C. I.
Hersom, C. I., Construction

Evaluation Under National Register Criteria

National Register status

Listed as per NPS, 2012

Area(s) of significance

Architecture
Entertainment/recreation

Narrative(s)

This is an excellent example of a post-World War II Modern Movement style movie theater. Eue to its excellent interior and exterior integrity it is individually eligible for for its Assocation s with the historic sub-context "Evolution of Movie Theater Design, 1900-1975 in the MPDF Historic Theaters of Iowa. Its Moderne architectural style is particularly signficant as the embodiment of the distinctive characteritics of a type and period of construction and it possesses high artistic value. It is signficant under Crierion A for its associations as part of the evolution of motion picture exhibition in Sioux City as one in a continium of commeercial Block Downtown and Neighborhood Movie HousesMr. and Mrs. Dan Gran had the Sioux Theater built in 1945-46. The building included a movie theater and dairy bar on the first floor and a large apartment for the Grans on the second floor. The Grans operated the theater for several years before moving to Florida, at which time they passed the operation to his brother Al and his wife, Doris, Gran who maintained the theater until the late 1970s. Mike Berger of Chicago purchased the building and operated the theater for a few years before closing in around 1980. In 1985, the Sioux Rapids Area Historical Association purchased the building, have made many necessary repairs and maintain the building as their museum. The local schools perform on the stage several times a year.