Esquire Theater

The architect of the Esquire Theatre was W.L. Pereira.

The Esquire was once the poshest theater in the city. It wasn't until the 1950's that they began to sell popcorn. Some classic films had their US premiere at the Esquire including "The Haunting" "A Hard Day's Night" and "Dr Strangelove". In the 70's the Esquire continued showing exclusive first run classics such as "Blazing Saddles", "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "All the President's Men". Sadly the theater was closed and converted into a 6 screen with all six theaters on upper floors. The lobby and staircase still have signs of the great palace it once was but the auditoriums themselves are shoebox sized and not well maintained. My last two visits to the Esquire have been terrible. The first time the movie was 40 minutes late getting on screen. An usher was nowhere to be found for some time. I also had ordered a popcorn and was told by the counter girl that the size bag I wanted was being brought up and they would bring it to me. 20 minutes later I went back out and the concession girl was reading a book and said she forgot. The last time I was there I tried to use the bathroom and both men's rooms were out of order. I had to leave the building and go to a neighboring business. I wrote to Loews and complained on their website and never got a response. Too bad they could care less about their theaters. It wouldn't surprise me in the least to see the Esquire closed someday soon. Here's hoping another company will take over and care about the theater and fix it up to the way it belongs.

I am confused, if all six theatres are on an upper floors what is where the auditorium once was?

Robert the main auditorium was probably gutted. There are elevators on the first floor but I don't even see where the entrance to the main auditorium used to be. My guess is it is probably used for storage of candy and popcorn buckets and drink cups and such. Or perhaps it is for janitorial supplies. Your guess is as good as mine.

Wow thats a shame, many times at least the main auditourium is preserverd.

The theater renovation in 1989 entirely gutted the interior of the building (including the steel structure) and a completely new structure (cast in place concrete) was built inside the shell. The Intent of the renovation appeared to be the desire to add additional screens and additional retail space in an expanded lobby. The city would not allow the transformation of the exterior to allow the retail, but did allow the additional screens. Therefore, the additional screens are in place but the lobby, although also completely new, resembles more closely the original lobby of the art-deco building. The only redeeming value of the building today is its scalloped brick facade and large marquee.

Seating capacity for the Esquire Theatre is 1390.

The only time I was in the Esquire was in 1966, when I saw "Endless Summer". Its expansive marquee was quite impressive. The almost stark interior was in sharp contrast to the more opulent Chicago B&K movie palaces like the Granada, Uptown, and Chicago theatres. The chome or stainless steal railings were in sharp contrast to the softer toned wood and brass railings to which I was accustomed.
I believe the Esquire was under the Playboy fold in the 60's and 70's. I think it was purchased shortly after Hugh bought the Palmolive building.

Even though I have never been inside, the thater is beautiful from the outside. I can only hope Loews does not deceide to close this theater. In 200 there was 4 theaters in downtown Chicago, now there are 2. There was the Fine Arts aka Stuabaker that closed sometime between 2000 and when I went back in 2002

Actually, there are currently three operating theatres in downtown Chicago - the 900 N. Michigan Cinemas, the AMC River East 21, and, of course, the Esquire.

Actually the 900 N Michigan is closed. I think you meant to say 600 N Michigan.

Right - the 600 N. Michigan; it's been a LONG day...

There is also the Siskel Film Center, on Randolph and State, kitty corner across the street from the Chicago Theatre, and a couple doors down from the former State Lake Theatre (used for many years now as studios and offices for ABC's Chicago affiliate, WLS-TV, Channel 7).

Here is a view of the Esquire's auditorium before it was gutted in 1989 to make way for the present-day multiplex.

Great picture Bryan. How did they divide the theater? I also know that when I was in Chicago, Loews had another theater on State street down from the art museum called the Fine Arts/Brubaker. Since I no longer see it listed, I assume it's closed.

Mike, the theater wasn't divided. It was actually gutted, and a new six-screen, bland multiplex built in the shell of the old Esquire. Fortunately, the great Streamline facade and signage hasn't been touched. It's probably the best thing about the Esquire.

Mike, there is also a page about the old Fine Arts Theatre on Cinema Treasures:
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1018/
It has been closed for about five years now.

Thanks Bryan.

The brief history of the theatrer, above, states "landmarked exterior." Where is that documented?

To my knowlege, the building has no such protection.

It was once proposed for city landmark designation but was declined and cannot be re-proposed because of ordinance preventing a second bite at the apple, so to speak.

It's not a landmark, but it "possesses potentially significant architectural or historical features", according to the City of Chicago's landmarks database.

Here are a couple closeup shots from Chicago Uncommon:
http://chicagouncommon.com/photography/gallery/1372/
http://chicagouncommon.com/photography/gallery/1373/

This really stretches the memory cells, but here goes: I used to have a set of Encyclopedia Brittanica's with the yearbook of 1948 or 1949. There was a photograph of the Esquire's auditorium. The proscenium consisted of a series of rectangular "concentric" arches that "enclosed" a smallish 1.33:1 screen. When I saw this photo in the 1950's I said to myself that that house could never show 'scope. As I recall through reading the "theatre grosses" section of "Variety," no scope films at all were shown in the 1950's. Later research turned up the fact that during that period the theatre was managed, or at least booked, by Paramount Distribution Corporation. Paramount at that time, as I'm sure you realize, had only a handful of 2.35:1 releases (if any at all) at that time. Obviously, major changes had to be made there by the time the 70mm "Star Wars" opened in 1977.

I went there for the first time yesterday, and i'll never go again. Half the sidelights in the 300-some seat I was in were burnt out, and the print was absolutely abysmal at no more than 2 weeks old. It was stretched on the pletter from start to finish, so every frame had horizontal scratches and vertical scratches. The stretching also made the audio horrible, it had static on everything. And on top of all that, it was slightly off focus. Just awful. Plus a red exit sign right next to the screen. The only kind words I have for it are that they didn't show a slideshow before the 15 minutes of commercials, and the seats were at least halfway comfortable. The lobby did look art deco though- is it certain that they demolished both the orginal lobby and auditorium? The three-floor layout seems fairly consistent. All in all though, the exterior is the only worthwhile part of this theater. I want my 9.50 back.

The Esquire was gutted and remodeled by the Gelick Foran Associates in 1989. When it reopened, the chain was M&R/Loews. The lobby appears to be mostly the same as it was in the original building. An article on the renovation was published, "The March of Time-the Remaking of Chicago's Esquire", Inland Architect, November 1991

Granted, the Esquire has a rather remarkable exterior, but given its bland, late-'80s, post-renovation interior, it's a bit stunning how this theatre was allowed to stay open and Loews instead opted to close the McClurg Court Cinemas.

I think the reason the McClurg closed was because the 21 screen River East opened just a few blocks away. The Esquire really doesn't have any nearby competition. The closest ones which were just a few blocks away were 900 North and Water Tower and those both closed. Had they gone by interior quality McClurg would easily still be open. Hopefully someone will buy it and make it an art house or maybe even a place where classic films can be seen on the big screen.

The real estate is probably just too expensive there. If it weren't, I would imagine someone like Village would jump on it.

Fond memories of this palace too. Ditching school and standing in line for the 1st show of Star Wars, getting sucked into the world of Blade Runner, riding high in the Right Stuff, the plane shots in Out of Africa. Damn I hate multiplexes!!

From Russell Phillips' Galleries:

Esquire Ladies Lounge, 1984

The Esquire was built and owned by H&E Theaters, (the 'H' and 'E' being the two youngest brothers in the Balaban family.)

Throughout the fifties and into the sixties, H&E was a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures. But the Esquire itself was not managed by Paramount; it was their only theater holding after the 1949 consent-decree split of the studio and United Paramount Theaters because Paramount had its regional sales and distribution office in the buidling.

The architect William Pereira did considerable work for Paramount, including an expansion of the Hollywood studio.

"Obviously, major changes had to be made [to the Esquire] by the time the 70mm 'Star Wars' opened in 1977." (veyoung, Nov 25, 2004)
__________________________________________________

What makes you think the Esquire ran a 70mm print of "Star Wars"?

This seems to be Loews's "art house" (somewhat) for the Downtown Chicago area. Recently, they've shown "March of the Penguins", "Shopgirl", "Capote", and "Good Night & Good Luck". It seems to have been cleaned up somewhat and it's not an unpleasant place to see a show. I hope that Loews keeps it open so that those of us who live near the Loop (Downtown Chicago) have a place to go to see the fare mentioned above.

Who knows what will happen after AMC gets it hands on this theater.

H and E Balaban was never owned by Paramount as far as I know. Where did you get this information?
Please let me know. Thanks
DBalaban
BalabanandKatz@aol.com

I found the Grand opening ad (full page) for this theatre, Feb 16 1938 p 17

"Theatre of Magnificent Comfort" it opened with "The Firefly"

I have fond memories of the Esquire. My dad and I went there to see "Blazing Saddles" when it first opened. I remember going there myself to see an early Brian dePalma film called "Phantom of the Paradise." And most memorable of all, standing outside the theater for an hour on a hot summer afternoon before getting in to see "Star Wars." It seemed like the Esquire--and its neighbor, the Carnegie--showed films that were not only popular, but kind of hip.

I came around the bend where Oak Street hits Lake Shore Drive the other night, and there was the Esquire's vertical sign blazing away. It may be a multiplex now. But it is still very cool to look at during the night.

My research of movie ads circa 1997-1999 reveals that this was a Sony Theatre. Sony, which is the name Loews/Sony-Loews was trading under (in Chicagoland anyways), had taken over the old M&R Amusements chain.

But for some reason, I can recall this place being in the Plitt chain in the 1970s-1980s, although I could be wrong.

Before it was gutted, it was run by Cineplex/Plitt. They were rather upset about being thrown out. Their plans had been to twin or quad the original auditorium. They also wanted to move the Esquire name to 900 N Michigan after they were booted.

The Chicago theater was also a Plitt theater. I rememebr seeing old pictures and at the top of the vertical Chicago sign was Plitt

Saw a comment on the 600 N. Michigan page stating that the Esquire is not being well maintained. I have not been there in about three years. But on my last trip I thought it seemed OK in all the usual respects: cleanliness, quality of presentation, prices, etc.

Anyone been there recently who cares to comment?

LTS,

The Esquire is okay. The washrooms appear to be clean. The floors are also clean. But new seating is needed! They appear to be using the same seats from the '80s makeover. There are no cupholders.

Some art deco touches remain, particularly the railings. There is also a neat little cafe/seating area. The staff seems improved under AMC. Unfortunately, the Esquire has terrible popcorn. If AMC was willing so put just a little money into this place, freshen it up a little, and get better popcorn, it would be a terrific movie experience.

If you are in the area and they're showing a picture you really want to see, then the Esquire is okay, but it could be better.

The last time I was here was to see Kingdom of Heaven. The place seemed fine to me except the seats. It's comfortable but it needs cupholders. That's always been by problem with Esquire.

I plan to see A Scanner Darkly here sometime next week. I'll check out the cafe/seating area you were talking about Paul.

Can somebody please photograph the Art Deco touches, such as the railings? And, post the photos on a flickr or other website, linking that here so people can see?

Howard B Haas,

I'm sure that one would need to get permission from AMC to photograph in the place. Does anybody know how "fan friendly" AMC is?

Sometimes there's an employee to ask, but chains are stupid, and there may not be someone to ask or they may not say yes. Bring in your camera in your pocket or bag. Snap a few photos without trying to attract attention. Eventually, an employee says "no photos" so you put away your camera. No real harm to anybody. (Don't snap at the screen while a movie is ongoing, as they don't want tapes of movies being made- that's bad for all of us).

Unfortunately, it looks like the end may be near at last.

http://www.chicagoredstreak.com/output/hlife/cst-nws-esquire18.html

In reading the posts on this theatre, and other places, you'll discover that rumors had been circulating for a long time. These rumors had been going on since before AMC took over. Under Loew's, it had been somewhat of an "art house" in recent years, showing such fare as MARCH OF THE PENGUINS, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, GOOD NIGHT & GOOD LUCK, etc. AMC however, has begun a program called AMC SELECT, which shows films such as these in its regular theatres (not necessarily a bad idea). With the implementation of AMC SELECT, though, the Esquire has lost whatever edge it did have.

It would be nice if the landmark marquee and facade could be kept. I'm not holding my breath though! I'd better get up there, take a few photos, and see some films there. I still beleive that with some fixing up, the Esquire could remain viable.

Does any one know of any other pictures of the Esqurie`s auditorium before thay tore out the seats in 1989.
Thank you for your time :)

i'm doing a school project on the esquire. my instructor told the class to choose a business that we think isn't being managed properly. my objective is to create a plan of action for effective business. but first i need all the information about the theatre. when it was built, by who, who owns it now. their profits, the renovation, the employess and their organizational culture, their ethics and mission statement, prices, hospitable environment etc etc. i just need like THE WHOLE STORY!!!!!!!! Can anyone help me?????????

Following is a history of how the Esquire went from a single-screen to what it is today, pieced together from the Tribune Archives. In March 1986, Plitt/Cineplex Odeon announced plans to carve the theater into 4 or 5 screens, one day after announcing plans to shutter the nearby Carnegie. Almost immediately, the city Landmark commission began the process of trying to landmark the exterior and lobby, while allowing the auditorium work to be carried out. It was stated that if the owners chose to oppose the commission, work would be delayed until review was finished, and if they went with it, they could do their work. In another week, Garth Drabinsky, head of Cineplex, called the earlier reports false and said he only intended to split the balcony and floor, exactly as was done at the McClurg. (In that article he also said he did not plan to buy Essaness, which he of course did within three weeks.) By mid-August, the property owners were pressuring Plitt/CO to go back to the 4-screen plan to increase rentable space on the first floor of the building, just as ultimately happened. The prospective tenant was Bennigan's. In August, the Ruttenberg family, owners of the property announced plans to fight landmarking, saying the only economically feasible plan would be to create a four-story interior with 2 screens on the lower floor, 2 on the upper, and retail in between. The landmarks commission was especially opposed to putting storefront windows in at street level. They also insisted that the only people they would work with is Plitt, dure to their downtown dominance. An intriguing quote: "We've had a demolition clause in the Plitt lease available for a year, and could terminate the lease by demolishing the building," David Ruttenberg added. "But if we signed a new lease with Plitt, we would protect the theater from demolition for 20 years or more." -Bill Ruttenberg. We are now 20 years from that statement. There was also talk of possible city aquisition. In another week, the Ruttenbergs obtained demolition permits for the Esquire, as a ploy to prevent landmarking. If they were landmarked after the demolition permit was approved, they would be entitled to millions in damages. However the permit was quickly revoked, since it hadn't been reviewed by Ald. Natarus, as was required by law. Oddly, Bertrand Goldberg, designer of Marina City and River City spoke out against landmarking, saying it was not worthy. Of course, many of Goldberg's designs feature a very similar scallop design as the Esquire. On October 2, the Landmark Commission reccommended that the city council vote the exterior a landmark, leaving the interior open as a compromise. By July 1987, the plan was to have one retail tenant on the first floor, one on the second, and six theaters occupying the top two floors. In September, the Commission voted against the plan, attempting to avoid exterior changes, but allowing the matter to continue. In November, they struck a deal to keep the facade and lobby 90% intact, the way it is now. The theater shut down shortly thereafter and was gutted in January, 1988. In late february, after a change in the plan to include small second-floor exterior alterations was approved, it was announced that M&R would take over operations. The plan was not to run art films. Cineplex objected. The Ruttenbergs said they chose M&R because Cineplex was only willing to lease the theaters, where M&R would be willing to only manage. They also worked together on Webster Place. In March, Cineplex sued to block M&R, saying its lease gave it right of first refusal on any new lease. This is likely why M&R was only managing. Loews acquired M&R in September, 1988. Some of the lighting fixtures turned up at a restaurant at 217 W Huron. The theaters reopened February 1, 1990 with "Stella," "My Left Foot," "Mack the Knife" and "Stanley and Iris." However, the fire marshal shut it down. BUT Aldermen Naturus and Burke stepped in and got it opened for the reception that was there- it was not allowed to open to the general public until the alarm system was certified. In June, 1991 Citibank signed a 15-year lease. In 1994 the City Council's Committee on Historical Landmark Preservation ruled that the renovation had destroyed the theater's value as a landmark. Aldermen also complained that more historic neighborhood theaters had been allowed to be destroyed. I think many on this site can recognize the major difference with the Esquire. Shortly thereafter, the 600 N Michigan theaters were announced, and there was consideration of vacating the theaters and adding more windows for more retail. In February, 1995 Sony (having taken over the M&R/Loews theaters) signed a 10-year lease. In 2000 the retail question popped again, with the Loews lease reportedly up in 2003 and the Citibank lease up in December, 2000. In July 2002 it was sold to the present owners, who at the time said "our plan is basically to keep it as is," while others said he was weighing his options, such as a hotel/condo high-rise. Which brings us to today.

Other historical notes that haven't been touched on: it was in 1966 when Walter Reade, the New York organization, acquired the Esquire from H&E Balaban/Paramount, and quickly installed the popcorn, cigarette, and ice cream machines whose abscence had distinguished the Esquire as a cut above the rest. They also did a "quick, extensive remodeling." It was Reade's first, and apparently only foray into the market. Plitt, incidentally the successor to Paramount's midwest theater division, acquired it from Reade in 1975.

According to today's Sun-Times, the Esquire's last showings will be Thursday, 14 September 2006. It will be razed for a new retail complex.

Somebody get down there and take interior shots for me. Please. I wasn't able to get down here like I hoped.

Here is the article from the Sun-Times that Payton mentions. Hopefully at least the facade and signage, which are the best thing remaining about the Esquire, will be saved and incorporated into whatever ends up replacing it.

This just pisses me off. I knew once AMC took over Loews they would pull this crap. Another great theater is going to bite the dust. I would bet the Lowes 732nd St East in nYC will be next becuase it is a singler screen theater.

It is not all that impressive Cinemark fan. The lobby, which I believe is a rough recreation of the original, is pretty cool. But the rest of the building looks like any other multiplex of the period.

To Life's too short:

I've been here before, it's just that it's been so long and I would love to see those auditorium shots again. The blue and the gray around the screens.

Aside from it's sleek beauty, the Esquire was great for the blockbuster movie. I saw Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Star Trek Wrath of Kahn at the Esquire, before the chopped it. The fun part was the line that literally wrapped around Rush Street to the next street north and then back to Michigan Avenue. It was awesome. I think it could seat 3000 people, but I'm not sure. The screen was huge and (after the chandeliers were removed for being unsafe) there was a lone ligt bulb to light the auditorium between shows. Sad day. First Fields, then Carsons now the Esquire.

Afrotek,

Don't forget the Berghoff. No, not the "faux Berghoff" which now exists on Adams Street--the real one which served Wiener Schnitzel, German Pot Roast, etc.

Afrotrek
What happened to Carsons? I know Macy took over firleds but I didn't hear anything about Carsons. I know this isn't a movie theater

Afrotrek
What happened to Carsons? I know Macy took over firleds but I didn't hear anything about Carsons. I know this isn't a movie theater

Carson Pirie Scott's parent company recently announced it will close the State Street Carson's location following the holiday season due to rising maintenance costs and falling profits.

Well, Esquire is gone for good now. I went here today to see "The Quiet", but my Dad had the camera. Oh well, it's a good thing I wrote down my description of this place. I'll post it later.

1938-2006 R.I.P. You gave me good memories Esquire. Ranging from standing out in the frigid cold with my mother and siblings for "Heat" and seeing that famous shootout scene up close, watching the gore in "From Dusk Till Dawn", meeting ABC-7's Linda Yu in person while waiting to see "Rumble in the Bronx", going out with two of my brothers on a rainy Saturday to see "Con Air" and many
more memories of Esquire. It's a shame Landmark Theatres or Classic Cinemas couldn't do anything. For now, the area has only two theatres and 30 screens, the River East and the 600 North Michigan.

I couldn't get the link to work so here is the text from the Chicago Tribune about the closing of the Esquire:

"Long run over for Esquire Theater
Mixed-use complex eyed for Oak Street

By Susan Diesenhouse
Tribune staff reporter
Published September 14, 2006


The last movies will show at the Esquire Theater on the Gold Coast Thursday, after which its owner will start raising the curtain on a possible retail-hotel complex that would replace the theater once its 1930s-era building is demolished.

"Our vision is to keep with, and add to, the street's luster and reputation for exclusive boutiques," said developer Jeffrey Shapack, a partner in Chicago-based M Development LLC.

The residential and retail developer acquired the Oak Street property four years ago. Most recently, AMC Entertainment Inc. has been managing the theater, often showing films that already have run at downtown megaplexes.

Shapack expects to begin demolishing the Esquire in about 14 months and start construction on a mixed-use complex likely to include retail, restaurants and, perhaps, a hotel or condominiums.

In planning the project, he's talking to luxury retailers and restaurateurs that operate in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago, Shapack said.

One possible plan would include two low-rise retail buildings with a 10-story hotel in between, said Ald. Burton Natarus (42nd), who has reviewed the drawings. Such a project could be built under current zoning regulations. However, it would require approval from the Chicago Plan Commission under the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Natarus said.

In the 1980s, Natarus said, the Esquire was denied city landmark status.

"That was one of few instances in which a historic building was turned down," he said.

While planning is not completed, Natarus said from what he's seen so far, "I think it will be beautiful."

"I think it's terrific," said David Shelist, owner of Madison and Friends, a children's clothing store on Oak Street. But, he added, "Some retailers will be against it because three years of construction will disrupt their business.

"For a while, the Esquire's been an eyesore, although once upon a time the lit marquee looked beautiful. Now, lights are missing."

The developer, Shelist said, "will keep the look of a traditional brownstone for the retail, and on the back end they want restaurants and a hotel."

Last year, projects completed by M Development included the conversion of a hotel into 100 condominiums in Madison, Wis., and a new 72-unit condominium in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, the ParVenu.

The firm's retail projects include a new 5,000-square-foot retail building at 853 W. Armitage Ave., completed in 2003 and occupied by clothier Active Endeavors. By spring, the company expects to complete construction on the Armitage Collection, five buildings with a total of 40,000 square feet of retail and a restaurant on Armitage between Clifton and Seminary Avenues.

By virtue of its location, M Development's Oak Street project will be distinct in size and style.

"Oak Street, a collection of tiny boutiques in tiny buildings, attracts fewer shoppers than someplace like North Michigan Avenue, but they spend more," said Bruce Kaplan, president of Northern Realty Group Ltd. A luxury Oak Street boutique could achieve annual sales of $1,000 a square foot, he estimated.

"I think there are high-end retailers on Michigan Avenue that could do comparable sales, " Kaplan noted.

If the project attracts more visitors to that block of Oak Street, lined with period lighting, sleek storefronts and ultraluxury retailers, "it will be a positive addition because retail depends on attracting foot traffic," said Jacqueline Hayes, a retail-leasing broker and owner of Jacqueline Hayes & Associates Ltd. "Everything that happens on this one small block is interrelated.

"Oak Street is a destination with unique stores," she added, "while Michigan Avenue is an experience with the performers, flowers and mix of stores that have broader appeal."

Annual rents for retail space on North Michigan Avenue are about $325 a square foot, she estimated, while they're about $250 a square foot on Oak Street and about $90 a square foot on State Street. But Oak Street rents could rise as new buildings go up, she said.

"There hasn't been a great deal of new development on Oak Street," she said. "If retailers thought that new stores there could draw more traffic, rents might go up."

----------

sdiesenhouse@tribune.com"

Here is a recent photo of the Esquire theater, that claims it was taken on the last day that the Esquire was operating. Under the photo is a link that should take you to the Chicago Tribune article without the need for registration. It works for me but your mileage may vary. It the link doesn't work, just read the text in the comment above this one.

Very cool. I had to click a few times but the link worked for me. Perhaps the photo will be valuable one day if it truly is the last day the theatre was open.

I still pray that Landmark Theatres will intervene and turn this into an art-house like the Century Centre on Clark. This does not need to be torn down. I hope a lot of people protest this proposed development on the site and write to Landmark.

Well, if this does get torn down, I can always try and reopen McClurg Court as an art-house or build a new one.

This is a recent interior photo of the Esquire theater.

I was at the last show and took a few dozen shots. I think I was actually the last patron to leave. I'll post them soonish.

Thanx. I like to see those photos myself.

Thank you Brian. I'm glad you did that. Let me know when I can see those photos. Does any of them include the auditorium?

There are a couple shots of the shoeboxes. They didn't come out too clearly though- my camera unfortunately does poorly in low-light and so many of the photos are not in sharp focus. But you get a good sense of the space nonetheless. There were 27 patrons in the final showing of Woody Allen's "Scoop".

Here is my set.

Thanks Brian. Say, what was the color of the curtain stuff around the screen? I seem to remember it being light blue with gray. Am I right about that?

I didn't note that specifically but I want to say it was brownish.

Great photos Brian. The Esquire appears to be in excellent condition. Another perfectly good theater bites the dust. What a shame.

I haven't been a member until now, but I spent an hour and a half on the Esquire's last night taking shots of the exteriod. I asked about shooting inside, but was told that they were not allowed to do that, even though it was the last night.
I posted several images on my Blog Looper
and also on my flickr.

Oh, that was you with the tripod outside? I was the guy in the green jacket with the crappy digital. I love your blog. Certainly you see my results just don't compare. Too bad you didn't just shoot inside, there were a few of us and nobody really cared. In fact after closing an independent media guy came in with his pro DV cam and shot a bit in the lobby.

Brian, I do remember seeing you.
Funny, I went in at about 6:30 and asked about taking shots, and was told no. Having been nearly arrested for taking photos on other private property, I have learned to not push it too far. They must have been intimidated by my tripod and black semi-fancy camera (I wouldn't have used the tripod inside, and I am not a professional). Your point and shoot may have felt harmless to them.

I am glad you did get the shots you did, and thanks for posting the early shots as well. Oh, and thanks for the compliment on my blog.

I went to see "Crank" at the 600 North Michigan yesterday, and I saw the same coming attractions poster that hung in the lobby of the Esquire. It's the one with the Purple lettering. It can be found on the same level as theaters 4-5.

Hey, CinemarkFan,

Don't fool yourself. Since Mark Cuban bought Landmark Theatres, that company has no interest in preserving old theatres. In fact, they've put small, independent art houses out of business in Washington D.C. and Indianapolis. Furthermore, he's focused on building a megaplex in L.A. and introducing a series of "rock'n'roll" theatres, where teenagers are encouraged to make noise and send text messages during the films.

This is to say nothing of his day-and-date movie releasing that threatens to put more theatres out of business.

More on this here: http://www.markcubanhasnoclothes.com

In the Walter Reade years
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/Movie%20Theatres/EsquireasaWalterReadeTheatre.jpg

Fabulous pictures Brian Wolf! Always wondered what the inside of the Esquire looked like. Can't believe they are going to tear down this lovely theater! What a waste...what a shame. It looks like it would have made a terrific specialty cinema showing independent, foreign and art films. Too damn bad someone couldn't have saved this. Oh well...that's progress, but what a loss. I know what it's like, having lost many wonderful theaters here in Toronto. Sometimes I just wish progress would go away...

That's pretty cool, RobertR. Where did you find it? I will shortly add a couple more historic interiors of the building for reference purposes only to my flickr including the much-requested original auditorium view. Also those who suggested that the lobby was largely a fascimile of the original are totally right, it was a reconstruction for the most part, but I think it still retained the character fairly well. The auditoriums were nonetheless pretty dreadful.

It's a real shame that the monied of Chicago have no respect for the city's great history as represented by its unique landmark buildings and retailers. If The Esquire were in Charleston, S.C. it would gladly have been saved. But then, I think this is just another aspect of a larger social phenomenon that looks only to the moment and the bottom line dollar.

I remember how beautiful this theatre used to be. I saw two movies here before they split it up--"Gandhi" in 1982, and "Return of the Jedi" on opening day in 1983. Both presentations were in 70mm, and "Jedi" was the first time I noticed Dolby Stereo.

After that, I only saw two more movies there after the conversion--"Ransom" and "Outbreak." I was so disgusted with what they did to the place that I never went back. IMHO, it represents everything that went wrong with Cineplex Odeon when Loews/Sony muscled its way into Chicago.

Well, the Esquire wasn't Cineplex until they merged with Loews/Sony in 1997. As a 6-plex, it was M&R/Loews and then Sony.

Per Robert R.'s post above:

The photo shows the Esquire during the Walter Reade years. The movie on the marquee is THE GAMBLER starring James Caan and Lauren Hutton. According to the Internet Movie Database www.imdb.com that would place the photo in 1974. Obviously it's not the Kenny Rogers movie of the same name!

I went out and took pictures the day after it closed, just as I did when the REAL Berghoff closed and as I will do after Carson Pirie Scott closes. It's too bad that the photo feature on this site doesn't work, but I'll see if I can get them posted on www.cinematour.com

I have the bookings of the Esquire from 1963-1980 so I looked it up. The picture with "The Gambler" on the marquee would have been taken between 10/18 and 11/7, 1974.

Russell Phillips:

Esquire Exterior, 1985
Esquire Ladies Lounge, 1984
Esquire Stairs to Lounge, 1984

http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=6155 has pictures of the Esquire on it. These pictures include those taken on the final days of operation. Notice how several lights on the still-impressive marquee are burnt-out. But there are also pictures of what the place looked like before plex-ing, including the auditorium. Did retail go in where the old auditorium was?

One can get a sense of what changed and what remained after the plex-ing. The contours of the old auditorium remained. So did the light fixtures in the lobby and the art-deco railings. The small cashier's station (used on lighter days when the main, outdoor ones weren't in use) http://www.cinematour.com/picview.php?db=us&id=41397 and http://www.cinematour.com/picview.php?db=us&id=41379 is approximately where the entrances to the ladies' and men's lounges were http://www.cinematour.com/picview.php?db=us&id=41403

These are Brian Wolf's photos and I am grateful that he posted photos of the original auditorium too because I never had the chance to visit this place when it was a single screener.

Purists may bemoan the plex-ing of this place and a lot was lost. But even as a six-plex, I liked the Esquire. It still had nice touches and there was nothing wrong with it that some renovations couldn't have corrected.

As the band Living Colour once sang "Now you can tear a building down, but you can't erase the memories."

I went past the corner of Oak and State recently (while I was on my way to the Village Theatre). I noticed that at least a part of the marquee for the Esquire was lit up. What's up with that?

When the ESQUIRE was still single-auditorium it had what must've been the steepest projection angle from booth down to screen that I've ever seen. Plus they were still operating w/ carbon arc lighting then--about the last to change-over to xenon I'd guess. The point I might be trying to make is the picture there was incomparable when SUPERMAN I, STAR TREK I, & CLOSE ENCOUNTERS first opened.

Around 1973 Mr. Linwood G. Dunn gave a neat special-effects reel presentation at the ESQUIRE. In early '70s they were also big on running the "stereo-phonic sound" version of FANTASIA, plus the un-cut original KING KONG.

[url=http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/mag/article.pl?article_id=27166&bt=barneys&arc=n&searchType=]Here[/ur;] is an article with information on other Oak street development that includes some info on the esquire.

That's messed up. Just replace it with some more high-rise mumbo jumbo that Oak St's got already.

From the Chicago Tribune, October 13, 1975:

PLITT SEEKING ESQUIRE THEATER

Chicago's giant Plitt Theater chain is negotiating to purchase the luxurious Esquire theater, 58 E. Oak St. A sale appears imminent. The 1,360-seat theater currently is owned by Walter Reade Theaters, Inc., of New York.
"If it becomes ours, we'll give it our best," said Harold Klein executive vice president of Plitt Theaters, the national 124-theater chain that owns most of Chicago's downtown movie houses.
In recent years, the Esquire, under Walter Reade management, has not lived up to its money-making potential. The theater's films have been booked and publicized out of a New York office, keeping it out of touch with the Chicago audience.
If the sale goes thru, it will mark the Esquire's return to its original "family". The theater was built in 1938 for Harry and Elmer Balaban for $250,000. The Balaban family also owned the famous Balaban & Katz theater circuit, which today after two corporate sales is part of the Plitt Theater group.
Though 37 years old, the Esquire remains one of Chicago's most luxurious movie houses. Its Art Deco design and fastidious ushers are trademarks. For its first 20 years, the theater refused to sell popcorn.

Have they begun the demolition yet?

Every time I drive down Michigan Avenue they have the marquee turned on. Go figure...

Life's Too Short--

Maybe it's to scare away ghosts of movie-goers past! (I heard that even "Resurrection Mary" showed up, but was fooled by the lit marquee :-] !)

I am joking, of course, but is it even on during the day?

Here is another photo of closed Esquire Theater.

Yep, all times of day it can be seen on. Last night I had to go down Lake Shore Drive, and the vertical sign was on.

I looked at the photo that Lost Memory linked to. Did Citibank occupy the space that was once the auditorium?

NEWS ITEMS:
Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, February 25, 1964, s. 1, p. 22, c. 2:
Tower Ticker, by Herb Lyon

". . . . 'Dr. Strangelove,' the nightmarish flicker satire on the bomb, is doing positively explosive biz at the Esquire. All box office records are going up in a mushroom cloud . . . ."
___________________________
Chicago American, Friday, August 8, 1958, p. 11, c. 4:
RECORD SET AT ESQUIRE
An attendance record was set when "The Matchmaker" had its Midwest premiere at the Esquire Theater. The film, boasting such stars as Shirley Booth, Anthony Perkins and Shirley MacLaine, played to sell-out crowds.
_______________________

What a dam shame-I hope it's saved. I attended this theater and took photos back in 2002. It was beautiful inside and that marque is awesome.

Here is a list of the movies to play here from 1964-1980.

1/02/1964 - WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY BED?
1/15/1964 - ALL THE WAY HOME
1/31/1964 - ANY NUMBER CAN WIN
2/19/1964 - DR. STRANGELOVE
5/20/1964 - THE SERVANT
6/19/1964 - MURDER SHE SAID plus MURDER AT THE GALLOP
6/26/1964 - TWO ARE GUILTY
7/01/1964 - HONEYMOON HOTEL
7/24/1964 - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
9/16/1964 - BECKET
10/23/1964- LOS TARANTOS
10/30/1964- WAR AND PEACE
11/4/1964 - THE OUTRAGE
12/4/1964 - MURDER AHOY
12/25/1964- THE PUMPKIN EATER
1/22/1965 - TOPKAPI
3/05/1965 - SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON
4/28/1965 - THE MAGNIFICENT CUCKOLD
5/14/1965 - MASQUERADE
5/28/1965 - THE BATTLE OF THE VILLA FIORITA
6/18/1965 - WHITE VOICES
7/07/1965 - THE COLLECTOR
8/20/1965 - THE KNACK AND HOW TO GET IT
10/1/1965 - BAMBOLE
10/15/1965- SITUATION HOPELESS BUT NOT SERIOUS
10/29/1965- REPULSION
11/19/1965- THE MARRIED WOMAN
12/3/1965 - YOU MUST BE JOKING plus HARVEY MIDDLEMAN, FIREMAN
12/17/1965- BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S plus SABRINA
12/24/1965- THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD
2/11/1966 - THE SLENDER THREAD
2/25/1966 - MOMENT TO MOMENT
3/16/1966 - LORD LOVE A DUCK
4/01/1966 - A THOUSAND CLOWNS
5/26/1966 - BORN FREE
7/15/1966 - THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT
8/17/1966 - THE WRONG BOX
10/14/1966- THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW
10/21/1966- BOLSHOI BALLET 67
11/2/1966 - ALFIE
2/15/1967 - A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
8/31/1967 - LUV
9/21/1967 - THE BOBO
10/11/1967- REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE
12/1/1967 - BONNIE AND CLYDE
12/20/1967- FITZWILLY
1/05/1968 - HOW I WON THE WAR
1/26/1968 - BEDAZZLED
2/28/1968 - POOR COW
4/03/1968 - THE PARTY
5/10/1968 - HERE WE GO ROUND THE MULBERRY BUSH
5/29/1968 - INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU
6/26/1968 - THE SWIMMER
7/31/1968 - INTERLUDE
9/18/1968 - RACHEL, RACHEL
10/31/1968- THE LION IN WINTER
6/19/1969 - WAR AND PEACE
7/31/1969 - ME, NATALIE
9/24/1969 - EASY RIDER
1/30/1970 - GAILY, GAILY
3/06/1970 - ZABRISKE POINT
3/27/1970 - FANTASIA
5/22/1970 - CINEMA COLLEGE FESTIVAL
6/17/1970 - GETTING STRAIGHT
8/19/1970 - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
9/16/1970 - PERFORMANCE
10/7/1970 - JUSTINE
10/21/1970- FIVE EASY PIECES
2/03/1971 - HUSBANDS
3/05/1971 - GIMME SHELTER
4/23/1971 - MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN
5/21/1971 - TAKING OFF
6/18/1971 - THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN
6/30/1971 - FORTUNE AND MEN'S EYES
7/23/1971 - THE HELLSTROM CHRONICLE
9/24/1971 - CARNAL KNOWLEDGE
10/29/1971- SACCO AND VANZETTI
12/1/1971 - WAR AND PEACE
12/19/1971- THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
3/29/1972 - MADE FOR EACH OTHER
4/19/1972 - THE HELLSTROM CHRONICLE plus Z
4/28/1972 - SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY plus MIDNIGHT COWBOY
5/10/1972 - RUSSIA
5/26/1972 - HAMMERSMITH IS OUT
7/05/1972 - THE OTHER
9/22/1972 - THE SORROW AND THE PITY
10/18/1972- ELVIRA MADIGAN plus THE VIRGIN AND THE GYPSY
11/3/1972 - THE CHICAGO FILM FESTIVAL
11/17/1972- HEAT
12/20/1972- SLEUTH
3/01/1973 - SAVE THE TIGER
4/11/1973 - GODSPELL
6/15/1973 - LUDWIG
6/29/1973 - 40 CARATS
7/20/1973 - THE HIRELING
8/03/1973 - ROMEO AND JULIET
9/28/1973 - I AM A DANCER
10/19/1973- FANTASIA
11/7/1973 - JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL
12/18/1973- DON'T LOOK NOW
2/08/1974 - ALFREDO, ALFREDO
3/01/1974 - BLAZING SADDLES
5/31/1974 - BADLANDS
6/14/1974 - DAISY MILLER
7/19/1974 - ANIMAL CRACKERS
8/23/1974 - THE WHITE DAWN
9/27/1974 - FANTASIA
10/18/1974- THE GAMBLER
11/8/1974 - THE ABDICATION
11/29/1974- BLAZING SADDLES
12/18/1974- THE PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE
1/24/1975 - GONE WITH THE WIND
1/31/1975 - FACES plus ULYSSES
2/07/1975 - FIVE EASY PIECES plus THE LAST DETAIL
2/14/1975 - STARDUST
2/28/1975 - SHEILA LEVINE IS DEAD AND LIVING IN NEW YORK
3/21/1975 - THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE
4/11/1975 - HEARTS AND MINDS
5/30/1975 - THE GODFATHER PART II
6/06/1975 - THE LONGEST YARD plus DEATH WISH
6/13/1975 - 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
6/20/1975 - STAVISKY
7/02/1975 - NASHVILLE
10/10/1975- A CLOCKWORK ORANGE plus DELIVERANCE
10/17/1975- TOMMY
10/24/1975- COCONUTS plus ANIMAL CRACKERS
10/31/1975- HORSE FEATHERS plus DUCK SOUP
11/7/1975 - THE LION IN WINTER plus A TOUCH OF CLASS
11/21/1975- ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
2/20/1976 - THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING
4/09/1976 - ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN
6/18/1976 - THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT PART 2
7/21/1976 - THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
8/27/1976 - OBSESSION
9/24/1976 - THE TENANT
10/15/1976- MARATHON MAN
12/24/1976- A STAR IS BORN
2/11/1977 - TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING
3/18/1977 - THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN
4/01/1977 - THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
4/29/1977 - NASTY HABITS
5/27/1977 - STAR WARS
9/30/1977 - KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE
10/21/1977- LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR
12/14/1977- CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
3/17/1978 - AN UNMARRIED WOMAN
6/02/1978 - THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY
6/16/1978 - GREASE
8/11/1978 - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
9/29/1978 - DEATH ON THE NILE
11/10/1978- MAGIC
12/15/1978- SUPERMAN - THE MOVIE
3/09/1979 - THE DEER HUNTER
6/01/1979 - FANTASIA
6/22/1979 - THE MAIN EVENT
8/03/1979 - THE MUPPET MOVIE
9/21/1979 - MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN
11/9/1979 - THE ROSE
12/7/1979 - STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
2/01/1980 - THE RUNNER STUMBLES
2/06/1980 - CHAPTER TWO
3/14/1980 - SIMON
3/28/1980 - GILDA LIVE
4/11/1980 - GREASE plus HEAVEN CAN WAIT
4/18/1980 - FOXES
5/02/1980 - A SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
5/21/1980 - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
9/26/1980 - ORDINARY PEOPLE
11/14/1980- FANTASIA
12/12/1980- GLORIA plus THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN
12/19/1980- THE JAZZ SINGER

Curiously, they have changed their plans for what the Esquire will be replaced with. http://www.suntimes.com/business/381328,CST-FIN-esquire11.article

The lights, constantly on, are slowly dying. So sad.

It seems odd that they made such a drastic turn in planning.

Why are the lights being left on (on the marquee)? Is it so that they'll burn out?

Was the granite facade (or whatever material that is) later extended to cover Citibank's part of the building? The vintage photos on www.cinematour.com seem to indicate so.

Yes.

Here is a rather artistic interpretation of the Esquire Theater Marquee.

Loss of memory cells here. Can anybody either verify or disprove the notion that a 70mm print of "Star Wars" played here either from the opening in May, 1977 or beginning at some point thereafter? Thanks

It did open at the Esquire. Not sure whether it was 70 or not.

It wasen't in 70MM. I have the ad from 5/27/77. In fact, there wasn't a 70MM engagement of Star Wars in the Chicago area until 12/23/77 when Oakbrook played it 70MM.

I was the manager at the Esquire during the initial Star Wars run in Chicago, Memorial Weekend 1977. It did premier here (and at 3 other theaters in the outlying areas) and it was a 35mm print. It was also craziness on steroids.

Thanks for the info, folks.

Great looking building but inside- cold as ice. Shouldnt be makeing way for redevelopment tho.

So I was on Oak Street last week and I noticed that demolition has not yet begun on the Esquire. The marquee is still being used for public service announcements and Citibank is still occupying the first floor. I thought that demolition would begin in April or May, 2007.

as late as early summer, the marquee was still lit up at night too.

Correction re. above post - 70mm STAR WARS here in Chicago area: the EDENS in NorthBrook ran it in 70mm right from the (May '77) start. Also they seemed to be the very last house to play it - a total of about a year.

The Esquire appears to remain doomed, but the plans for the site have again changed. Chicago Tribune article

My mistake; that was in fact a Sun-Times article.

Here is a blog with some photos of the Esquire:
http://tinyurl.com/249upt

This is another recent photo of the Esquire.

G. Feret:
Regarding you post of Nov. 6, 2007, I do not believe your details are correct. Are you posting from memory, or can you cite any documentation?

Anyway, here's what I have been able to research for the original "Star Wars" bookings in the Chicago area:

05.27.1977 ... Calumet City - River Oaks 1-2-3 (29 weeks)
05.27.1977 ... Chicago - Esquire (18 weeks) Dolby Stereo
05.27.1977 ... Lombard - Yorktown Cinema I-II-III-IV (30 weeks)
05.27.1977 ... Northbrook - Edens 1 & 2 (29 weeks) Dolby Stereo

06.15.1977 ... Waukegan - Genesee (13 weeks)

06.17.1977 ... Norridge - Norridge 1-2-3-4 (27 weeks)
06.17.1977 ... Orland Park - Orland Square 1-2-3-4 (26 weeks)

07.08.1977 ... Joliet - Jefferson Square Cinema I-II-III (18 weeks)

07.13.1977 ... Carpentersville - Meadowdale Cinema I-II-III-IV (16 weeks)
07.13.1977 ... Crystal Lake - Showplace I-II-III (22 weeks)

07.22.1977 ... Aurora - West Plaza Cinema 1-2-3 (13 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Chicago - Ford City I-II-III (22 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Chicago - Nortown (21 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Merrillville, IN - Y&W Drive-In (5 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Mount Prospect - Mt. Prospect (22 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Naperville - Ogden 6 (#1: 22 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Naperville - Ogden 6 (#2: 13 weeks)
07.22.1977 ... Wheeling - Twin Drive-In (12 weeks)

07.29.1977 ... Chicago - United Artists (21 weeks)

12.21.1977 ... Vernon Hills - Hawthorn 1-2-3-4 (26 weeks) Dolby Stereo

12.23.1977 ... Oak Brook - Oakbrook (30 weeks) 70mm-Dolby Stereo

M.Coate;
Me +2 buddies are one of the few who can truthfully say we saw SW before it was a hit--specifically about 2-3 hrs before.

At the EDENS they had generally unadvertised matinee SW shows Fri. 5/27, and at the very first reel changeover point of the 1:15 pm show the 70mm print broke and the screen went dark until they fixed it. About 30 secs. of film was lost at this point, and the EDENS never in their entire run bothered to replace it, 70mm replacement footage being non-existent. This gap became well-known in these parts, a kind of an in-joke about where you last saw the film. When the EDENS closed its doors, a magazine article explained something relating to this, that their deal w/ FOX for this film was unique among local theaters in that they technically owned the print, which is why their exibition of it was of a maverick nature.

Back to me and my 2 buddies, because the 5/27 matinees weren't common knowledge that day the EDENS had just us handfull for the 1:15 show, and a slightly bigger audience for the 3:45 show (which I stayed for). For the 6pm SW show however the floodgates did open, and it was 'swimming against current' just to exit the EDENS.

"Generally unadvertised matinee"

"5/27 matinees weren't common knowledge"

What the hell do you mean??? As I write this reply, I'm staring at my photocopy of the Chicago Tribune's opening-day ad, and the EDENS was clearly advertising an early-afternoon matinee.

The EDENS' showtimes were 1:30, 3:40, 5:50, 8:10, 10:15 (and a midnight show on Fridays & Saturdays). And they were NOT promoting a 70mm presentation on opening day or at any point in its seven-month run.

M. Coate: tone down your rhetoric.

I believe the SW display ads did omit the matinee Edens showtimes; check again.

Most of us can tell a 70mm screeining vs. an anamorphic one, simply by virtue of circular vs. elliptical cue marks for reel changeovers.
This is how one verifies, despite what the advertising may claim. Or you can just peer into the ptojection booth opening(s), if possible.

Why should I tone down my rhetoric? I thought your comment regarding an unadvertised early-afternoon matinee warranted a knee-jerk reaction.

Why would I need to double-check my ad photocopy? I stated in my previous post that I had the ad in my possession while making the post, so it is not a matter of me misremembering. I think it is you who is simply misremembering, just as you misremembered the duration of the engagement.

I don't think there's anything unusual or abnormal about misremembering details of an event that happened more than 30 years ago. And I'm not holding anything against you; I just think you're going about proving your case in an unconvincing manner.

I'm willing to continue debating the matter, though (because I'd like to know definitively myself), but I do think that if any discussion regarding the "Star Wars" run at the EDENS is to continue, it should probably take place on the EDENS page instead of creating any more unnecessary drifting off topic on this ESQUIRE page.

Did the Esquire ever have an organ?

Being a 1930s theater, constructed well after it became clear that talkies were here to stay, the Esquire would not have had an organ. A few theaters were equipped with organs after the advent of talkies in the US, such as at Radio City Music Hall, the RKO Roxy (Center) in New York, the Paramount in Oakland, and the United Artists in Berkeley (the latter a move-over from an older theater), but these are exceptions. In Great Britain, organs continued to be put in theaters for a while longer, but clearly for the music being part of the show package, not as possible film accompanimant.

Interesting tale of the Esquire's last day: http://www.mcnblogs.com/mcindie/archives/2006/09/post_8.html

From today's Chicago Tribune, M Development has cancelled its plans to construct a 100-room boutique hotel along with retail shops. Instead, the developer will just construct a "few story" retail building on the site of the Esquire instead. The project is supposed to get underway at an unspecified time in 2009.

It's too bad that at least the facade and signage of the Esquire can't be saved and incorporated into the new structure, much like the facade of the Art Deco McGraw-Hill Building on North Michigan Avenue was saved and reused for the Shops at North Bridge mall which was built on its site after it was demolished.

It's not over yet Bryan. That statement is code for, "the project fell apart and we don't know what the hell is going on."

Of course no businessman is going to come right out and say that.

If someone felt like being an organizer, I bet an energetic preservation group could get the facade saved.

The sad part is that as another plan bites the dust, the Esquire could have been still open and showing movies as one plan after another comes along. I still wish that Landmark or someone similar could come along and run the six screens, it just seems to fit in to the neighbourhood.

Excellent idea, Tim; it might be worth pitching it to Mark Cuban, owner of Landmark Theatres: Mark.Cuban@dallasmavs.com He responds to every e-mail he receives and will at least give you a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down.

I agree with Bryan that it would be truly sad if some attempt to save the Esquire's facade is not made. Any developer would be viewed as a hero, were they to incorporate the old, into whatever new plans.

The Esquire facade is the undisputed anchor of Oak Street. I grew up there.
The entire area is under going a development assault that seems unprecidented. Retail mania and soulless towers are replacing everything that made the Near North Side a neighborhood. Sadly I just moved a year ago from the area, after over 45 years.

Back to the Esquire though. Many memories I have back when it was a one screen house. Godspell, That's Entertainment, Slueth, Man Who Fell To Earth, and of course Blazing Saddles. I went with a teacher who lived in my building. Our faces hurt from laughing.

As you can see from photos others have posted, the Esquires entire overhang was filled with lights. This guaranteed you that squinty feeling you wanted after a movie, no matter what time of day.

Next door to the West was a quaint little book store. The closest cloth awning in one of the `70's pics posted.
It had a special section devoted just to film. That's how retailers thought back then. They customized their inventory to neighboring customers.
There was also a place called Musicraft, that sold high end home audio equipment. Either in that Pickle Barrel location, or next to it.

The Esquire was really a well run, classy place as a one screen. It aged a bit when the traffic of six screens started to take it's toll. It's hard to clean up the aisles in between showings, when start times are scheduled only minutes apart to maximize patronage.
I remember seeing "The Perfect Day", the Clint Eastwood/Kevin Costner effort set in the `60's there. Maybe 1992 or so.

Oak Street had everything. Shops, Bars, a bike shop, hair dressers, art galleries, even a huge Jewel grocery store across from and East of the Esquire. A B&G diner type restaurant was on the corner of Rush & Oak where Barney's of New York stands now. NY?
I remember showgirls with five o'clock shadow, eating breakfast at that B&G.

The Esquire's endless neon seemed to illuminate the entire block. It really gave you the feel of big money believing in a small neighborhood. One block away on Bellevue was all brownstones, with bars & niteclubs trimming the Rush Street perimeter.

I was sad to see it close, and hope that any developer takes into consideration it's visual history to what's left of the neighborhood.
We need a hero.

http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/4303/424vl.jpg Oak Street in the 70s

Well, the end of the classic Esquire Theatre structure seems near.
Yesterday I received the regular 42nd Ward e-mail update called "Alderman Reilly Reports".
In it among other 42nd Ward issues, was the "Esquire Theatre Update". Basically it says that a redevelopment proposal for the Esquire Theatre that was before the Chicago Plan Commision, was passed on Sept. 18th.

The redevelopment plan consists of 3 new, 2-3 story buildings between 36 & 60 feet in height, with differentiated facades. It will provide 45,000 square feet of retail space. No dwellings. It also praises this plan as being consistent with the existing Oak Street content.

Since there is no further mention of the Esquire Theatre other than the address of 58-104 East Oak, we can assume there is sadly no plan to incorporate any of the existing building or facade into the new plan.

It goes on to laud the achievement of stopping a previous proposal of a 12 story, 158 foot hotel with 24,500 square feet of retail.

Strangely, a hotel development probably could have smartly utilized the vintage Esquire facade in some way. But all those who opposed it are correct about the oversaturation of the area. Congestion on Oak Street being pretty much the worst. I've personally witnessed that the valet parking for the oh so trendy stores, has now morphed into a constant, zig-zagging stream of double parked BMW's & SUV's. Awaiting their multi-shopping bagged, sun-glass wearing owners on their cells as they board.

So it sounds as if more buildings designed to cleverly emmulate old row houses, is what will stand where the once grand Esquire did for so many years.
No apparent attempt to preserve the facade or signage. Just another part of Chicago history that is carelessly wiped away.

P.S. This is in reference to the above `70's photo posted by BWChicago. The parking lot pictured in the foreground is the former site of a huge Musket & Hendricksons Pharmacy, and now the site of One Mag Mile-retail and condos.

M & H was the anchor tenant on the ground floor of a massive building that burned down in a spectacular fire in 1969 or`70. There was also a furrier who shared the ground level. The fur clad mannequins stood eerily lifeless as the fire raged around them. Similiar to those in the original "Time Machine" film.

The 2nd floor had housed a campaign office for Hubert Humphrey. So it's no surprise that the Democratic stronghold threw up a painted billboard on the newly exposed wall.
George Dunne's longtime headquarters was down the street on State at Oak, next to Papa Milanos.

The building that replaced Papa Milanos, Mondellis & the Bang & Olufson store (Old Rush/Oak Market), is almost done.

The old Gino's Pizza building at Rush & Walton that was being restored, apparently fell or was torn down instead 2 weeks ago.

A Tribune article today about passing the Plan Commission includes this quote:

For the most recent plan, "the developer worked closely with us every step of the way," Marilyn Miglin, a member of the Oak Street Council, told commissioners. Miglin said the new use is more appropriate for the high-priced retail corridor than the theater or a previous M Development plan for a boutique hotel, both of which lacked adequate parking.

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Anybody here think parking was really an issue at the Esquire?

The loss of the Esquire as well as many of the other businesses like Milanos, the Oak Tree, Acorn on Oak, even Burgerville has basically turned a once diversified street into a one dimensional strip mall (high end retail or not). No doubt people like Miglin will prosper as more of the same brings in more people for more of the same, but is that good for the neighborhood if one can even continue to call it a neighborhood. Sure if you want a coffee or lunch, just head around the corner at Rush. The intimacy is lost and in the end progress will march forward. Years from now people will lament, as they always do, "if only..."

I'd venture to say that Marilyn Miglin is likely the most powerful force on Oak St. Even more than Oak Bank.
The street is literally named after her in signage, at the intersection of Oak & Rush. (A Natarus Tradition)

I'm surprised she didn't just purchase the Esquire herself long ago.
Or help broker whatever she wanted to be there in the first place. Her late husband was a giant in the Chicago real estate world.

But still you'd almost think she would have preferred the hotel concept. Wouldn't that have just increased her own high end foot traffic? With rich, free spending out of towners mere steps from her door?

Of course the Drake & Soffitel are both within easy walking distance of her shop already. So I'm sure she already knows the percentage of travelers versus regular customers she gets.
With the new structures mirroring the height of everything else on the street, calculating future patronage per square footage may have already been factored in.
Given the current money/market crunch though, we'll see how long it takes for anything to actually happen anyway.

I agree, parking had never been an issue at the Esquire. It was always considered a "neighborhood" theatre. Nor would parking have been an issue of a proposed hotel. Nobody drives to the Drake or Soffitel. They are dropped off there.
A hotel would have only increased the drop off traffic directly in front, not the parking. Unless their "new" loading zone stretched the entire span of the Esquire building. Not just the entrance.

Ironically Oak St. parking is more adversely affected by the very stores that paid the city for valet zones.
Meters were removed, in favor of the pay boxes that now encompass the entire street like downtown on Wabash.
What little you can't squeeze out of the supposed pay box spaces, the valets have blocked up.

Rush Street actually used to consist of 2 way traffic from about Ontario to Cedar, with parking on both sides of Rush up until the very late `70's.
The city then barred parking from Chestnut to Cedar along Rush, after it was converted to the current One Way traffic. Remember those short lived "No Cruising" signs the city strangely threw up?

Ironically the City of Chicago owned and operated a giant 5 story parking structure with automotive elevators, staff, etc. at the S/E corner of Chestnut & Rush for decades.
Then let it sit empty for another decade. As the old Rush Street slowly lost places with bands & other live "entertainment", the need for such massive parking dwindled. Plus the city was slowly getting out of the parking biz. They once had lots all over the city.

It would have been neat if Miglin had taken over the Esquire herself. Kept the existing structure, facade & famous marquee. And completely rebuilt the interior as an exclusive mall of sorts. With herself/make-up line as the anchor tenant.

She'd have been a heroine for the architectual ages. Then naming the street after her would have had deeper meaning. Though with the Esquire gone, she probably is now the longest existing tenant on Oak St. Unless I guess Bravco is still there.

As an aside, the Gold Coast Art Fair for years from it's inception to about `84 or so, was held on Rush St. From Pearson along Rush & Wabash to Cedar.
It was moved from Rush St. to Wells St. near Huron, Superior etc., presumably to appease new art galleries trying to make their area the so called "gallery district".
The initial new breed of art fair organizers and some at the alderman's office routinely disputed this characterization.
Saying instead that Rush & Oak St. businesses no longer wanted the art fair in front of their businesses. After all, who doesn't want captive foot traffic of 500,000+ people for 3 days once a year. Oh, and the air & water show used to be the same weekend as the art fair back then.
So jack that number up as you see fit.

Like the Esquire, the original Gold Coast Art Fairs made the neighborhood a neighborhood. I sold corn on the cob as a kid during the art fairs, out of the old Pour House tavern on Bellevue St. from about 1968 to `74 or something. It then became Moby Nicks, then Kronies, and was recently torn down to build LuxBar. The bars "Irvings?" then Elliot's Nest, also shared the building's East half.

Correction. The City of Chicago owned/operated parking structure was at the S/E corner of Delaware & Rush. Not Chestnut & Rush. That of course is Quigley North.
I regret this error, and blame it on it being 12:55 am.

does anyone have any info on the esquire being torn down this year

With the economy in the state it's in right now, I wouldn't expect to hear anything anytime soon.

In a perfect world, this or McClurg Court would reopen as indie houses. This could be restored to a triple or a quad, with a large movie place-esque screen. But those developers just love high-rises that the area has enough of.

Test/Renew notification status.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeusofhollywood/3375159236/in/set-72157615748797666/

Esquire Theater May Be In Foreclosure

Here are some 1983 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

Pretty sure this has not been posted. No offense if it has:

http://www.cinemaphotogallery.com/theater_large.php?p_id=79

In either case it is a cool image.

No surprise on the foreclosure.

Stake in Esquire Theater site to be auctioned

This was one of the most beautiful theaters I ever went to both inside and out. The art deco blue interior was such a pleasure.

Whats going on is it getting demolished or not?