Riviera Ballroom History
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The Riviera was designed and built in 1932 by Chicago architect James Roy Allen, with shop stalls and bathhouses on the main floor and an elegant ballroom on the second floor. From it's opening, the Riviera served as a Big Band and Jazz destination for the Midwest hosting many large acts such as Dave Brubeck, The Glen Miller orchestra, and most famously Louis Armstrong himself. In the 1950's-1960's the venue continued to host many acts and eventually in the 1970's became known as the Top Deck bar and nightclub hosting acts such as Chubby Checker, Herman's Hermits and Stevie Wonder. After the 1970's the building fell into disarray and went through several renovation projects. Eventually it was labeled a Historical Landmark and recently once again underwent a massive renovation restoring the ballroom to it's original glory, including a 1930's chandelier! The Riviera now continues to live on in it's original glory providing space for weddings, meetings, and gatherings of all sorts.