Morse Theatre

This is a link to some postcard pictures of the Morse theater in Rogers Park. I had some problems with this link and I hope that it works for everyone. Click on each thumbnail to expand it.

Apparently there is a proposal to restore the building. http://www.pioneerlocal.com/newsstar/news/127393,SN-MorseStreetDevelopment-110806-s1.article

Interesting. I guess it could work. People go to Rogers Park to visit Heartland Cafe.

Parking seems to be the issue.

In late 2005 the old Morse Theatre was purchased by an investment group in Chicago, with plans to redevelop the existing 1912 theater building. Construction has begun as of June, 2007, and should be completed in the spring of 2008. When completed, the Morse Theatre will include a 299 seat live performance venue, and a 100 seat full service restaurant. The redevelopment will feature a restoration of the original 1912 terra cotta façade, as well as a recreation of the Art Modern style cinema marquee which advertised coming attractions from 1935 until 1954 when the Morse was operated as a one screen neighborhood cinema under the Co-Ed name. Sadly, little remains of the theater’s original interior. The new performance space will feature cabaret style seating on multiple levels rather than traditional cinema seating.

The Morse Theatre performance venue will feature a state of the art digital audio system as well as full audio and video sound stage production capability. While our primary focus will be seated live concerts, with a focus on jazz, traditional old time, country, bluegrass and contemporary singer songwriters, we also plan to offer classic, documentary and independent films digitally, on a 22 foot wide screen.

The Morse Theatre redevelopment is a LEED qualifying Tier 1 environmental construction project, certified by Mayor Daley’s Green Permit Program.

We are excited to have the opportunity to return this 1912 Vaudeville and silent film nickelodeon to its roots, and to participate in the economic redevelopment of the wonderful Rogers Park neighborhood. The Morse Theatre and The Century Public House are privately funded projects of Rogers Park Entertainment Ventures, Inc. Please follow our progress at www.themorse.com

Hi All --

Although the interior of the Morse is gutted, there is no mistaking its roots. Thanks to AMcGhee's willingness to put up with me and my camera, some recent pictures can be seen here:
http://www.mekong.net/random/photoi19.htm

For those of us who are accustomed to seeing old theatres ground to dust, the Morse project is a terrific change: this one appears to be coming back from the dead.

This website has some information about the Morse Theater.

Nice pictures Cam. I wouldn't go as far as to say the space has been gutted. I think that phrase gets overused on this site (just my opinion, not looking to start any verbal battles). Gutted to me has always meant: four brick walls and no interior elements remaining. This place is not in great shape. But there is a lot left to work with.

Hi LTS --

You might be right that "gutted" is too strong a word. Andy McGhee had told me beforehand that there was basically nothing left of the original decor. Nonetheless, you can still see a few traces both inside and out, and you can also see the hallmarks of the 1930s-era renovation.

One of the interesting things that Andy pointed out was that some elements of the Morse are virtually identical to the Village North. The terra cotta on the parapet walls, in particular, is nearly identical.

Recent photos of this theatre are HERE

Architects were Grossman & Proskauer.

Some nice photos and story HERE

This article in today's Chicago Tribune talks about the Morse becoming a jazz venue.

It sounds interesting. I didn't know anything about this place until I heard about the Trib write-up. They have an interesting video, too, that takes you through the place.

I guess this shows how observant I have been as I ride past on the el everyday. I haven't been up Morse Street in a long time - there must be a lot of changes.... I hope.

Is there any indication regarding what's to be done about the parking problem there?

There's a great site up for The Morse Theatre with "then" and "now" pictures along with renderings of the finished theatre and restaurant. The theatre is supposed to open this fall.

http://www.themorse.com/

Wow, it is really happening!

Looks like it is really moving along.

Apparently this theatre was damaged by arson early this morning, but they are still hoping to have it opened Sept 19th.

A few photos can be seen here.

An article from today's Chicago Tribune on the Morse Theatre and its October 9th opening can be read here.

From the Chicago Tribune, 12/9/56:

One of the most successful recent conversions in the north side communities is the changeover of the former Coed theater into the present Beth Israel Anshe Yanova synagogue, 1328 Morse Avenue.

In the main auditorium the newly reupholstered seats will accommodate 600 persons for the Sabbath rites. In daily use, however, is the chapel seating 70 persons created from a portion of the lobby. What had been second floor offices now includes a social hall seating 170 persons, a temporary study for the pastor (sic), classrooms for the Hebrew school, and a well appointed kitchen. The two projection rooms of the theater days are now respectively a cloak room and rest room.

Theater will go dark after this week due to a dispute between the operators and an investor. Time Out Chicago blog post here and a Chicago Tribune story here.

Are you sure about this? That Tribune story is kind of old and the alderman sent out an e-mail a couple of weeks ago that it was just a rumor and that things were being worked out. He was supposed to be a "mediator". But things may have changed.

Of course, that may tell us just what kind of mediator he actually is. After all, this is the same guy who wanted foie gras banned. Sent all foie gras fans up to Evanston and other suburbs. Since repealed.

Liver and let live, that's what I always say.

Interesting article. Not sure what good could ever come out of canceling any upcoming performances. Not really the way to go about building up a newly renovated venue.
Sounds like egos at war. No matter what the problem is, keep the doors open and people coming until it's resolved.
What would be the point in going public with an internal turmoil? Strange. Especially with so much capitol already spent.

"Liver and let live"?

From what I've been able to piece together, James Pritzker was a silent investor in the project, and has pulled out because they're not seeing the expected return on investment. (supposedly that's the reason, at least)

Wow. It would be open only 5 months as of tomorrows date. Can't imagine what any Pritzker would need or expect of it in that amount of time. Guess the economy really is bad.

Maybe the city should have taxed the foie gras instead. And paid up the Millenium Park bills with the proceeds.

Seems like a weird situation all around.

I just learned of this brouhaha & shuttering from my pretty friend Claire.

Wonderful disappointment Chicago Style.

At least 4 shootings resulting in deaths in the area earilier this yr. Don't quote me on that.

I supported the foie gras ban.