Last winter there was a theatre demolition story out of an Indiana town near South Bend. I hope the DuPage doesn’t follow in the footsteps of that theatre which is gone forever, now!
Taken from Bryan’s posted article: “Pheasant Run Resort recently unveiled its remodeled and expanded theater; work on a $6 million expansion project has started on the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora; the Norris Theatre in St. Charles continues its comeback after being shut down with mold infestation three years ago; the Hemmens Auditorium in downtown Elgin and the Elgin Community College auditorium and theaters remain popular venues.”
In my research the Norris Theatre is mentioned as being in St. Charles at one time, but I don’t find it listed on CT so perhaps someone can add this one.
Bryan: Thanks for this recent article. A family member will be in St. Charles the end of this month so I’m hoping that he will have a chance to see the Arcada Theatre, in person!
The color photo of this theatre at the top of this link is so beautiful and the folks of Richmond are very fortunate to have this theatre in their midst.
TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
I’m going to see John Steven, IV of American Idol fame, season 3 in concert at this theatre on June 28th when John’s first CD, Red will be released.
Yes, please provide contact information for those of us on CT can help in some way!
Last winter there was a theatre demolition story out of an Indiana town near South Bend. I hope the DuPage doesn’t follow in the footsteps of that theatre which is gone forever, now!
Stevens Point is a college town so the Lyric should be a vital part of the community IF it isn’t demolished, as listed.
Jim: Great site with so many beautiful theatre photos!
Bryan: Thanks for that theatre correction.
Taken from Bryan’s posted article: “Pheasant Run Resort recently unveiled its remodeled and expanded theater; work on a $6 million expansion project has started on the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora; the Norris Theatre in St. Charles continues its comeback after being shut down with mold infestation three years ago; the Hemmens Auditorium in downtown Elgin and the Elgin Community College auditorium and theaters remain popular venues.”
In my research the Norris Theatre is mentioned as being in St. Charles at one time, but I don’t find it listed on CT so perhaps someone can add this one.
Bryan: Thanks for this recent article. A family member will be in St. Charles the end of this month so I’m hoping that he will have a chance to see the Arcada Theatre, in person!
An Eberson/atmospheric that isn’t CLOSED or DEMOLISHED! Miracles do exist!
belmontdrew: I totally agree with….“Would’ve been cool to have kept those seats and turned the place into a hybrid bookstore/movie theatre!”
“The building was demolished to make way for a parking garage.” Shame!
Thanks….start scanning!
“asbestos abatement” causes one to pause and I just wonder how much of this exists in restoring and/or renovating old theatres of yester-year!?!
Twistr54: Great!
Many theatres had a Loew’s connection, it seems.
Where on eBay is this theater listed or has it sold?
The color photo of this theatre at the top of this link is so beautiful and the folks of Richmond are very fortunate to have this theatre in their midst.
TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
Not only is this theatre Moorish in style like the Fox in Atlanta, it is an Eberson atmospheric movie palace!!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
Bryan: Your 1927 interior link to the former Avalon weren’t available to view.
Just today I was told about this must-see theatre in Syracuse so may have to check it out!