Riviera Refreshed

City facility ready to make new memories

by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

The one building that most visitors associate with Lake Geneva is the beautiful Riviera, which stands elegantly on the shore of Geneva Lake in the city’s downtown.

Built in 1932, it was the place where “everyone” gathered. During the day they enjoyed the adjacent beach and used the first floor bathhouse to change. In the evening the upstairs of the Riviera was alive with music and dancing.

Big name bands of the 40s and 50s such as Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong, along with vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin made their way to Lake Geneva. As the big band era ended rock and roll took its place and the once-elegant ballroom was transformed and the vibe changed from elegant to rowdy.

The City of Lake Geneva owned the building and closed the dance hall in 1979 and the space remained empty except for the occasional wedding or meeting. The building was unheated and limited to summer use.

As the years went by the building became more in need of renovating if it was going to remain the pride of Lake Geneva. In 2004 the Driehaus fountain with its angel sculpture and brick patio was placed in front of the Riviera adding another signature look. Two years ago, the tiled roof was replaced.

Major renovation

“This past year major renovations were made to the interior of the building to make it more usable year-round,” said Mayor Charlene Klein. “Since most of the weddings booked here were cancelled last year due to the pandemic it could be done easily.”

Among the many things needed was a heating system for the second floor ballroom to be used year-round. The restrooms on both the first and second floors needed to be made ADA compliant. Both projects have been completed.

The elevator to the second floor was replaced, allowing easier access to the upstairs, which especially important in winter when the only other to arrive into the ballroom had been to climb the outside stairway.

“Among the additional changes to the ballroom upstairs was the removal of the 12-inch tiles from the ceiling that were falling. We also replaced the hardwood floor in the ballroom but the original terrazzo floors in the entry way were cleaned and kept,” shared Mayor Klein.

The entire room has been given a new look. It was repainted in the art deco colors of 1932. The drapes are being replaced but so far, they have not been hung leaving an

The Riviera, on the shore of Geneva Lake, underwent a renovation earlier this year. The work converted the summer-use ballroom on the second floor to a year-round event venue.

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Information is subject to change. Please DiningDirectoryCall for Carry Out & Delivery Options contact individual restaurant for more information.

JONATHAN’S ON BRICK STREET

• 116 E. Walworth St., Delavan. 262-725-7715. www.Jonathansonbricksreet.com. Stop in for a warm inviting atmosphere and great food. Try one of our crafts, spirits and wines. Fish and seafood are always fresh. Delicious mouth watering steaks. Famous Fish Fry on Fridays. Prime Rib on Saturdays. Live Entertainment on select Fridays. Reservations are required and highly recommended nightly due to COVID restrictions. Hours: Bar opens at 4pm daily. Dining Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 4:3010pm; Sun. 4-8pm. D, $$$, FF,  (

THE GREEN GROCER AND DELI

• 24 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay. 262-245-9077. www.greengrocergenevalake.com Organic grocery store with a deli. Serving sandwiches made with Boars Head meat and cheese, homemade soups, salads and pizzas, wine, beer and cocktails. Dine in, Carryout or delivery. Open 7 days a week. L, D, $-$$  (

LUISA’S • Just off Hwy. 50, 12 mi. east of Lake Geneva. 262-537-4795 Superb Italian & American cuisine. Dine in, carry out, delivery, catering avail., call ahead & will have it hot ready to go. D, $$ 

FOLEY’S IRISH WOODS RESTAURANT

• 2.5 miles west of Lake Geneva on Hwy. 50 262-245-6966. Dinner Specials Wed. Corn beef & cabbage. Thurs. lamb shanks braised in stout. D, FF $$ 

EAST TROY BREWERY • 2905 Main St. on the Historic Square, East Troy. 262-6422670. www.etbrew.com 1892 bank turned brewery/restaurant. Craft beer and a great menu. Find us on Facebook. Wed.-Sun. 4-9pm with Brunch Fri-Sun Noon-4pm. L, D, $$, GF, FF 

WATERFRONT PUB & GRILL

• 408 State Rd. 50, Delavan. 262-728-4700. www.waterfrontdelavan.com Like us on Facebook and join us on Untappd. Serving fresh salads, wraps, signature sandwiches, juicy burgers, Friday Fish Fry & Saturday Prime Rib. Full wrap around bar with 20 beers on draft and gaming corner. Dine-in, take out and drive-thru available. L, D, $-$$, FF,  CHRIS’ USA • 724 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. 262-763-9968. Popular Friday Fish Fry. Beer Battered or Baked Cod $9.95 All You Can Eat • Perch Dinner $10.95 • 2 Piece Fish $6.50. $$, FF

GINO’S EAST OF CHICAGO

• 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-2525. www.ginoseastlakegeneva.com. Chicago’s original deep dish pizza, Italian sandwiches, salads and entrees. L, D, $-$$ LOCAL FOLKS RESTAURANT & PUB • 39601 60th St. (Slades Corners), Burlington. 262-539-3200. Open 6am every morning! B, L, D, $, FF, 

SPORTSMAN’S PUB & GRUB

• 25313 W. Loomis Rd., Wind Lake. 262-8951055. Beautiful lake view and patio for dining. Best Prime Rib in town. Well known for our thin crust pizza. Delicious 1/2 lb. burgers. We do a popular hand-breaded Fish Fry. Boat rentals/ launch. Live bait shop on premises. L, D, $-$$, FF 

MARS RESORT • W 4098 S. Shore Dr., Lake Geneva. A classic Wisconsin supper club “nestled on the shores of Lake Como.” Open 7 days a week at 11am. Out of this world ribs and spectacular sunsets! Reserve one our our Igloos on our “Fire and Ice” Deck for a truly unique experience. We created special platters that are sure to please all of our guests. Enjoy our Piano Bar for fun Friday and Saturday nights. Call 262245-5689 today and visit www.mars-resort. com to view our menu. L, D, FF, $$

THE BAKER HOUSE • 327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva. 262-248-4700. Lake side dining in an elegant 1885 Queen Anne Victorian. Full Bar. Sunday Brunch. L, D, $$$, GF,  (

401841

Key

B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner NC: No credit cards accepted $: Mostly under $10 $$: Mostly under $20 GF: Gluten free $$$: Mostly under $30 FF: Fish Fry (: Reservations requested  : Alcohol served : Kids menu SR: Senior menu