I have never been one to bemoan the demolition of every single movie palace. It was a business trend like so many others. But the Roxy is one of two that definitely should have been saved, the other being the Fox out in San Fran.
That is definitely the reason. They sometimes used the same basic design template on different jobs, with a few customizations to create a unique product. In this case the same basic scheme was used on both the Ringling & the Orpheum.
It’s just more of the same, history-wise. A lot of 20’s-vintage theatres got heavily renovated in the 40’s to cite one example. By the time the 80’s rolled around these 40’s renovations were considered classic.
I guess I’d have to see a sketch of what they are planning before forming an opinion. Some of the replica 20’s marquees that have been installed across the country have not worked out very well. That much is for sure.
Northlight spent a good deal of money to remodel the Coronet. It was a very nice facility. They even put blue neon “Northlight” panels on either side of the marquee. I’m not sure why they eventually left. My best guess is parking.
I went here once, I think around ‘87 – '88. The theatre we were in seemed huge, although I was just a little kid at the time. My memory reminds me size-wise of the Uptown Theatre in Washington D.C. I wonder if the other two screens were smaller?
It seems like a lot of high end retail has been closing in Chicago recently. I see more and more expensive store fronts around town for rent. My guess is that nothing will be happening here for a while.
I remember how big this building looked when you stood right in front of it. Driving by the lot today it doesn’t seem like the theatre would fit on it.
Nothing has happened yet. The theatre is still sitting there boarded up. I wonder what has become of the community center plan. I also wonder if they are heating it during the winter.
I just scanned the entire nine year-long string above. Surprisingly I don’t see any discussion on the organ. Is the current organ original to the Chicago? If not, where did it come from and what happened to the original?
The Michigan Theatre in better days:
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I have never seen this particular photo before. Nice one.
That entire photo set is very nice Brad.
Original Roxy Theatre house configuration in all its glory. Scroll about ¾ of the way down:
www.pictureshowman.com/questionsandanswers5.cfm
I have never been one to bemoan the demolition of every single movie palace. It was a business trend like so many others. But the Roxy is one of two that definitely should have been saved, the other being the Fox out in San Fran.
Interior Coronet photos here:
http://www.silverscreens.com/main.html
Click on the San Fran section and scroll down.
That is definitely the reason. They sometimes used the same basic design template on different jobs, with a few customizations to create a unique product. In this case the same basic scheme was used on both the Ringling & the Orpheum.
A photo of the original Century auditorium, something I have never seen before, can be found about halfway down this page:
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Jesus. It’s gotten much, much worse since the last time I took a look at an aerial image. This would have been a year or two ago.
Sweet. It was a Washington Mutual branch. This may mean it will be a theatre again very soon.
The interior of the old Paramount was devastated anyway, right?
Interesting article. Thanks B.
It’s just more of the same, history-wise. A lot of 20’s-vintage theatres got heavily renovated in the 40’s to cite one example. By the time the 80’s rolled around these 40’s renovations were considered classic.
I guess I’d have to see a sketch of what they are planning before forming an opinion. Some of the replica 20’s marquees that have been installed across the country have not worked out very well. That much is for sure.
CHUCK NORRIS
in
FORCED VENGEANCE
I can hear the preview voiceover playing my head now.
Does the Loews Jersey have air-conditioning?
Northlight spent a good deal of money to remodel the Coronet. It was a very nice facility. They even put blue neon “Northlight” panels on either side of the marquee. I’m not sure why they eventually left. My best guess is parking.
I went here once, I think around ‘87 – '88. The theatre we were in seemed huge, although I was just a little kid at the time. My memory reminds me size-wise of the Uptown Theatre in Washington D.C. I wonder if the other two screens were smaller?
It seems like a lot of high end retail has been closing in Chicago recently. I see more and more expensive store fronts around town for rent. My guess is that nothing will be happening here for a while.
Are they done with the stupid condos yet? Seems like this has been going on forever.
I remember how big this building looked when you stood right in front of it. Driving by the lot today it doesn’t seem like the theatre would fit on it.
Nothing has happened yet. The theatre is still sitting there boarded up. I wonder what has become of the community center plan. I also wonder if they are heating it during the winter.
I just scanned the entire nine year-long string above. Surprisingly I don’t see any discussion on the organ. Is the current organ original to the Chicago? If not, where did it come from and what happened to the original?
Image showing just how far gone the theatre was:
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www.flickr.com/photos/maincourse/434320288/
Nice interior and exterior Music Box photos toward bottom:
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