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  • AC Brace Arena - Cape Girardeau MO
    Designed by Hal Lynch and J. Carl Jourdan and completed in 1939, this Art Deco style arena has been upgraded and well-maintained through the years. The stage is original.
  • Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) Outdoor Amphitheater - Auburn AL
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built an Outdoor Amphitheater for the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). The amphitheater was built for the Agricultural Training camp. Granite cobblestones retrieved after the WPA paved the streets of Montgomery were used for the structure.  
  • Arneson River Theatre - San Antonio TX
    The Arneson River Theatre is a well known landmark along San Antonio's Riverwalk. Built with WPA funds between 1938 and 1940 it has hosted thousands of events. The stage is on the north bank of the river with seating on the south bank. It is most frequently used for summer plays, including the popular Fiesta Noche Del Rio. It is also a popular venue for weddings. It is a part of the La Villita Historic Arts Village.
  • Arts and Recreation Center – Baldwin Park CA
    In 1936, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed an auditorium for Central School in Baldwin Park, CA. With over 600 seats, the auditorium was used for both school and civic activities. The Moderne (Art Deco) structure is simple and unadorned, its concrete facade suggestive of early Brutalism. The auditorium served as an auxiliary meeting space after Central School was converted into Baldwin Park's first city hall in 1958, and as a storage facility after city hall was relocated in 1978. Since 2007, the renovated auditorium structure has served as Baldwin Park's Arts and Recreation Center (ARC). In addition to a dance studio, arts...
  • Auditorium - Emporia VA
    Emporia, Virginia's historic Greensville County Auditorium was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The building, located on Battery Avenue and facing Main Street, still stands today. According to a National Register of Historic Places registration form: "The two-story Greensville County Auditorium, located adjacent to the school complex, is constructed of brick laid in an unusual three-course Flemish bond pattern. The Neoclassical-style building has a large central recessed entrance flanked by two smaller entrances. Each entrance has a double door topped with a webbed fanlight. The imposing building has two Doric columns which support a wide entablature and...
  • Auditorium - Manchester KS
    "The auditorium has brick veneer with a corrugated metal side gable roof. Brick pilasters with cast stone caps divide the S side wall into 5 bays. A projecting brick beltcourse runs near the top of the pilasters. Most of the original openings have been boarded up. A pair of small 6-light windows remains visible high on the south wall. The ranch-style residence on the east end of the building has a wide hip roof, a brick foundation and wide aluminum siding. Siding has also been added to the S half of the auditorium's E end wall... A shed roof brick block...
  • Auditorium - Ravenna NE
    In December 1933, the Ravenna News reported that the city of Ravenna had been approached by the Buffalo County CWA (Civil Works Administration) Board with an offer of a grant for $6000.00 for the purpose of building a city auditorium. As a result of a bequest from a former citizen, William Bohning, in the amount of $5000.00, which was willed to the city for the express purpose of building a city hall, the city of Ravenna would not have to increase taxes in order to raise funds for the city’s portion of the funding for the auditorium. The building would...
  • Auditorium - Spencer NE
    In 1935, Spencer applied for a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant for the construction of an auditorium. When the town had not heard anything by November, a delegation of representatives of the town drove to Lincoln to speak with Mr. Felton, the state director of the WPA. He assured them that, while the federal government had not yet approved the project, the auditorium project seemed a worthy one, and was likely to be approved in due course. At the end of January 1936, Spencer had its answer: the project had been approved. However, they did not receive a full allocation...
  • Auditorium / Gymnasium - Ozawkie KS
    A auditorium / gymnasium construction project in Ozawkie, Kansas was undertaken during the Great Depression as a federal Public Works Administration (PWA) project, likely as part of an extension to a school building. The PWA provided an $8,182 grant for the project, whose total cost was $18,311. Construction started in Jan. 1937 and was completed in Jul. 1937. The status and location of the project are presently unknown to Living New Deal. PWA Docket No. Kan. 1113.
  • Auditorium and Gymnasium - Rulo NE
    At least one source states that this historic combination auditorium / gymnasium building on 1st Street in Rulo, Nebraska was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939. Per The Nebraska State Journal: With a $19,000 WPA grant, Rulo will turn its attention to a new gymnasium and community building. It is to be built of native stone, concrete, and steel and will be 102 feet long and 52 feet wide. The structure will have a basketball floor, 50 by 76 feet in size, a floor which will double for other purposes; stage and projection booth; and locker rooms. It...
  • Bama Theatre - Tuscaloosa AL
    Construction of the historic Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama was enabled by the provision of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds during the 1930s. The building was constructed as a combination "theatre/municipal auditorium" and "city hall, all under one roof." Municipal functions have since relocated. Further details about the architecture and details of the building can be found at the Bama Theatre's official website, linked below.
  • Beatrice Municipal Auditorium - Beatrice NE
    This striking two story Art Deco building in Beatrice was constructed by the PWA in 1939-40. The National Register form for the building states: "Compared to other WPA/PWA Art Deco auditoriums in Nebraska..., the Beatrice auditorium is quite exuberantly decorated with Art Deco detail. In place of the more common geometric and stylized motifs such as zigzags and chevrons, the motifs for the auditorium focused on agricultural motifs of corn cobs and sheaves of wheat to more artistically represent themes important to a medium-sized farming community, and reminiscent of the agricultural motifs found throughout the Nebraska State Capitol." (NRHP)  
  • Bergfeld Park Improvements - Tyler TX
    In 1913 the City of Tyler purchased the land for Bergfeld Park. Starting in 1936, the Works Progress Administration made improvements to the park including a stone amphitheater, rock culverts, and a rock lined creek, restrooms, and tennis courts. The city renovated the amphitheater in 2017 with a new stage and seating arrangement.
  • Berkeley High School: Community Theater - Berkeley CA
    The Berkeley Community Theater, part of Berkeley High School, was started with funds provided by the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1941.  The foundation was laid and the street framework erected when World War II interrupted further work in 1942.  It stood like that until it could be finished and dedicated in 1950. The Community Theater is a Moderne/Art Deco-style building constructed of reinforced concrete and finished in stucco.  The design has striking curves and masses, and it is decorated with cast stone bas-reliefs by prominent local artists (see linked pages). The building has three parts: the 3,500 seat Berkeley Community Theater,...
  • Bicknell Bull Dogs Auditorium - Bicknell IN
    Quoins at corners-smooth limestone also on buttresses. Ticket windows along facade, 1 story 6 windows, flat roof-bonded cement overhang. All windows filled with cement block. Facade: 2 pairs of double doors w/transom. Large open space, wooden stairs to bleachers. Walls Oolitic Limestone-rough cut. Constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1938 and 1939.
  • Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - San Francisco CA
    Made general repairs, cleaned tile and installed new tile, replaced glass, installed new plumbing and heating fixtures, did painting and concrete work, layed new floor in main auditorium, made accomodation for new health service municipal employees, increased corridor space on 2nd floor by removing hat check rooms.--Healy, p. 69.
  • Bill Sapp Recreation Center - Lumberton NC
    Originally constructed as the Lumberton City Armory-Auditorium, what is now the Bill Sapp Recreation Center was constructed by the federal Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.). Postcard: "The Lumberton City Armory-Auditorium is one of the most handsome and best equipped buildings of its kind in North Carolina. It is the home of the famous Lumberton Coast Artillery Company and the war-time organization Home Guards."
  • Blanchard Gym/Auditorium - Blanchard OK
    The Works Progress Administration built the Blanchard gym/auditorium in Blanchard OK. Contributor note: "The Blanchard gym/auditorium was completed as a WPA project in 1941. This is a one-story red brick building with an arched roof. On the west end, two wings reach north and south. All windows have been boarded up. The west end of the building has been remodeled with a roof facade, and currently houses the Blanchard Alumni Association, addressed as 400 N. Harrison Avenue. Two brick pillars at curbside were placed by the Classes of 1939 and 1940. Above the windows on the rear portion of the building is a...
  • Boutwell Auditorium Completion - Birmingham AL
    The federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) worked to complete Birmingham's historic Municipal Auditorium, now known as Boutwell Memorial Auditorium.
  • Brewer Municipal Auditorium - Brewer ME
    The Brewer Municipal Auditorium in Brewer ME was built with the support of the Federal Works Agency of the Public Works Administration in 1939. "Prior to the beginning of the 1939 municipal year all arrangements for building the auditorium had been made and ground at the site actually broken. This work was suspended during the winter months, but resumed as early in the spring as practicable and carried through to completion November 8, 1939. The building was built under the program of the Federal Works Agency of the Public Works Administration whereby financial assistance to the extent of 45 per cent of...
  • Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (demolished) - Buffalo NY
    Buffalo, New York's Minucipal Auditorium was a $2.7 million New Deal-funded project. Ground was broken on November 30, 1939 and the auditorium opened October 14, 1940. Sources differ with regard to the source of the New Deal funding -- an AP article claims it was the PWA while others claim the WPA constructed the building. The Municipal Auditorium was demolished in early 2009.
  • Cary Arts Center - Cary NC
    Originally constructed as Cary High School in 1938-39 with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The building, which replaced a 1913 school, was built at a cost of $132,000. The building now houses the Cary Arts Center.
  • Cedar Avenue Complex - Lancaster CA
    The Cedar Avenue Complex was constructed in 1938 with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA). It began life as a county civic center in Lancaster CA, forty years before that city was incorporated (1977).   It included a library, memorial hall, courthouse and sheriff's office, as well as an older jail from the 1920s.  The simple Art Moderne (Art Deco) design was by Los Angeles County architect Edward C. M. Brett.   The Cedar Avenue Complex was successfully nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1990s. The entire complex was renovated by the city in 2014 and...
  • Centennial Building - Port St. Joe FL
    The Public Works Administration (PWA) funded the construction of the Centennial Building in Port St. Joe FL. Past Use: Auditorium/Gymnasium. Present Use: Civic Center. The 1996 National Register documentation notes that the Centennial Building has been the site of centennial celebration of the signing of Florida's first constitution, which ran from December 7th to December 10th, 1938. The building was dedicated on December 7, 1938. It was also used for other political events and civic functions. Also fund raising events, such as the Fireman's Ball and the March of Dimes President's Ball, have been held in the building. It has sometimes been used for community Fourth of July and...
  • Central Assembly Building & Auditorium - Nampa ID
    A 1200-seat auditorium in the Public Works Administration (PWA) Moderne style built primarily as an addition to the facilities of Central Junior High School, but also served the Nampa community for many years as a venue for concerts, sporting events, and other large public gatherings. According to the Idaho Statesman, "The structure was built as a PWA project at a cost of $88,725.88. It is at the corner of Fourteenth avenue and Sixth street south. All intermural sports for the entire system will be played in the new building. Opera seats arranged on three sides of the hard maple center floor...
  • City Auditorium - Fremont NE
    "Located just west of the John C. Fremont City Park, this brick auditorium, with Art Deco style detailing, was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The building is still used by the schools and local community. Despite infill of the upper level windows it is considered potentially significant for its association with the WPA." (Nebraska State Historical Society)
  • City Auditorium - Gadsden AL
    The Public Works Administration funded the construction of the Municipal Auditorium in Gadsden.  
  • City Auditorium - Glen Ullin ND
    The historic Glen Ullin City Auditorium was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds in 1938. The building is still in service.
  • City Auditorium - Hill City SD
    The striking municipal auditorium on Main Street, Hill City, South Dakota was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938. Originally 50 feet x 100 feet, this poured-concrete building has since received additions on its north and south sides. The distinctive building also bears a unique WPA plaque. WPA Project Number 2934
  • City Auditorium - Jamestown ND
    The historic Jamestown City Auditorium was constructed as a federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1936. The exact location and status of the building (which is not to be confused with another WPA auditorium constructed in McElroy Park) are unknown to Living New Deal.
  • City Auditorium - Kelliher MN
    The Arts-and-Crafts-style City Auditorium in Kelliher, MN, was built in 1938-40 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
  • City Auditorium - Natchez MS
    The Natchez City Auditorium was Mississippi project # 1350 from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works. The 995-seat arena is headed by a large stage, and is designed in a squared-corner horseshoe, with seats on both sides and the back. The building features "a broad, hexastyle pedimented Doric portico" (Mississippi Department of Archives & History). Community events as well as national tours are scheduled in the auditorium on a regular basis. It underwent renovation in 1999-2000.
  • City Auditorium - Willmar MN
    "The well-constructed City Auditorium, built by the Works Progress Administration between 1936 and 1937 in downtown Willmar, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to provide long-term value for the city." "Relief sculpture panels adorn the space above the Willmar City Auditorium’s front entrance. These sculptures on the front facade," which were created by the Federal Art Project, "are damaged due mostly to the effects of winter climate. That is just one of many detailed findings included in a new master plan that looks out 10 to 15 years." (https://www.wctrib.com)
  • City Auditorium - York NE
    Constructed by the WPA in 1940-42. "In August of 1938 a $90,000 bond issue was approved by more than 60 percent of voters. As those votes were being canvassed, the rumblings of war could be heard coming from Europe. Germany was being warned by Great Britain, France and Russia about the consequences of entering Czechoslovakia. Before the construction of City Auditorium could be completed, the initial goal of providing work for the unemployed would be supplanted by labor shortages due to the war. But, in July of 1940 there were 227 York County workers enrolled with the WPA. That month, after a long...
  • City Auditorium Mural - Colorado Springs CO
    "Hardrock Miners" "The City Auditorium showcases two New Deal murals that face each other in the curved walls above the ticket counters, and explain the early dichotomy of the city. Archie Musick's "Hardrock Miners" tells the story of the mine laborers who helped create the wealth that flowed down the mountains into Colorado Springs, while Tabor Utley's "The Arts" expresses the city founders' vision of a "Newport in the Rockies," peopled by refined citizens. That same dichotomy between hard labor and the arts defined Colorado Springs during the New Deal era." - gazette.com
  • City Auditorium Mural - Colorado Springs CO
    "The Arts" "The City Auditorium showcases two New Deal murals that face each other in the curved walls above the ticket counters, and explain the early dichotomy of the city. Archie Musick's "Hardrock Miners" tells the story of the mine laborers who helped create the wealth that flowed down the mountains into Colorado Springs, while Tabor Utley's "The Arts" expresses the city founders' vision of a "Newport in the Rockies," peopled by refined citizens. That same dichotomy between hard labor and the arts defined Colorado Springs during the New Deal era." - gazette.com
  • City Hall - De Leon TX
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the municipal building in De Leon, Texas. The building has housed various municipal functions over the years, including  the City Hall, Fire Station, Auditorium, and Library. Official project No. 665-66-2-16. File card text: City Hall; City hall and fire station, including Auditorium; reinforced concrete foundation, brick construction, steel trusses in auditorium; also contains library. Two story brick building is still City Hall. But the building now houses a police station instead of a fire station. Plaque on building reads: Works Progress Administration 1938-1939.
  • City Hall - Sullivan MO
    Sullivan's municipal building was completed by the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works in 1937 and served as City Hall, police department, and jail as well as the town's auditorium. While the police department has moved, this New Deal building continues to serve as Sullivan's City Hall as well as a jail and public auditorium and gymnasium. The gymnasium/ auditorium is located on the south side of the building; the jail is on the west side in the basement.  
  • City Hall and Auditorium - Leoti KS
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the City Hall and Auditorium in Leoti KS. According to Kansas Historical Society, "The Municipal Auditorium & City Hall located at 201 N 4th Street in Leoti was constructed as a WPA project using local labor between the years 1939 and 1942. This rectangular, one-story limestone building is significant locally for housing city government offices, the Leoti fire department and auditorium. It is also significant socially in providing meeting spaces for civic organizations such as the American Legion, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts."
  • City Hall and Auditorium (former) - Superior NE
    The historic former City Hall and Auditorium building in Superior, Nebraska was constructed between June 1936 and February 1937 with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The building, which, as of 2012, was awaiting renovation, is located at southeast corner of 5th Street and Commercial Avenue. The PWA supplied a $32,727 grant for the project, whose total cost was $75,939. PWA Docket No. NE 1053
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