Some Historic Buildings of Oak Park

Posted on February 1, 2010 – 6:40 PM | by OldManFoster
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Lewis Building, and Victor Theatre/Guild Theatre
Corner of Broadway and 35th

victortheaterBuilt in 1915 by businessman Joseph L. Lewis, this building included upstairs apartments and downstairs retail. Former tenants included Azevedo’s Women’s Apparel (owned by former Sacramento mayor Clarence Azevedo), the Guild Coffeehouse, and the Hotel Woodruff. Also built in 1915 by Joseph Lewis, the Guild first opened as the Victor Theatre and later the Oak Park Theatre before becoming the Guild Theatre. It was also used as a church, and as a live music venue through the 1990s. Both buildings were restored and reopened in 2003 by the St. HOPE Development Corporation.

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Culver House/Oak Park Preschool
3500 2nd Avenue

photo by Tim Foster

photo by Tim Foster

This large Craftsman bungalow was built in 1901 for prominent Oak park physician John T. Culver, who lived here for 52 years. In 1953, the house became a private child-care facility. From 1972-1973, it was a private school that emphasized African American culture and history. After that, the Eta Gamma Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, an African American sorority, purchased the building and reopened the day care center. The sorority continues to operate the center and also holds meetings in the house, as does the Sacramento chapter of the NAACP.

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Arata Brothers Grocery/Swiss Club Tavern
3402-3406 Broadway

Photo by Tom Spaulding

Photo by Tom Spaulding

The ground floor of this two-story Mission Revival commercial building was occupied by Arata Brothers Grocery from 1910 until 1927. The Swiss Club was the longest-lasting tenant in the building, from 1955 to 2005. During its last years, it became a popular if notorious music venue, where bands performed in a former coat closet across from the bar. The building is currently vacant.

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Oak Park Fire Station #6
3114 4th Avenue

firehousewebBuilt in 1915, this fire station was designed by city engineer Albert Givan in the Prairie Style. The tower of this fire station was identified as the place from which a sniper killed police officer Bernard Bennett in 1970, leading to the “Oak Park Four” trial. Today, the firehouse is owned and occupied by Wellspring Women’s Center, a drop-in center for low-income women and their children. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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  1. 2 Responses to “Some Historic Buildings of Oak Park”

  2. avatar

    By Emily Elders on Mar 23, 2010 | Reply

    I want to know about the bands who played in the coat closet at Primo’s. More, please.

  3. avatar

    By wburg on Mar 26, 2010 | Reply

    Memorable shows that come to mind include the Coachwhips, Dead Moon, and Cock ESP. There is still a flyer for a Lizards show in the window by the back door. Shows there were often filled with hazards, ranging from hostile regulars, drunk patrons, drunk staff, Primo forgetting to open the bar, and the bar running out of beer.

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