Zilber Ltd. & Pabst Theater Group Announce Major Public Investment

Milwaukee’s own real estate company, Zilber Ltd., purchased the historic Riverside Theater in 1962. Their late, legendary leader and philanthropist, Joseph Zilber, saved the theater from being gutted and turned into office space in 1984 with a massive renovation and again in 2005 with another significant renovation. Today marks an end to the past “saving” of this theater and solidifies it as an anchor on W. Wisconsin Ave and Milwaukee’s entertainment scene.

New and Old Riverside Marquee

“Joe Zilber was very proud of his role in restoring the Riverside Theater to its original grandeur. He was also proud of his relationship with Michael Cudahy and the Pabst Theater Group. Joe entrusted them with his theater and as usual, Joe’s instincts were correct.” – John Kersey, Zilber Ltd.

October 2015 will mark the 10th Anniversary of Pabst Theater Group’s management of the Riverside Theater. During their decade of operation, this 87- year-old theater has thrived, hosting over 600 shows and more than 1 million customers. When patrons come to a show at any of the Pabst Theater Group venues, a small portion of every ticket (Historic Preservation Fee) goes to the preservation of these historic theaters.

Restoration of the Riverside Theater continues: In 2016, Zilber Ltd. and the Pabst Theater Group will replace all balcony theater seats.

Renovations in the last year:

• Replacement of theater doors
• Replacement of theater entrance doors
• Plaster repair
• Installment of “air curtains”
• Reconstruction and sanding of stage floor
• Water piling work
• Artist dressing rooms remodel
• Carpet replacement: basement, 1st floor and 2nd floor (with plans for remainder in 2016)

The Pabst Theater Group is proud to work with local company, Poblocki, a manufacturing leader in signage and custom design. Poblocki’s corporate headquarters are in Milwaukee, WI with offices nationwide.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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