The Riviera, opened November 25, 1949 by John Balestrieri and John Triliegi, was Milwaukee's premier gay bar for 15 years. After arson destroyed the building on March 15, 1964, Tony Machi relocated to 952 N. 3rd St. -- an 1897 property living on borrowed time. With the new Performing Arts Center across the river, the Riviera and its neighbors were an embarassment. The Schlitz Brewing Company donated the property to the city for Pere Marquette Park on March 14, 1967. Tony Machi moved to Farwell Avenue, where he opened The Barn (later Teddy's.)