Not a member yet? Register now.

Search

Theater Guide

Now listing 27,645 theaters & 1,598 photos… more

Browse by...

• Architect
• Chain
• Firm
• Function
• Location
• Newest
• Photo

• Screens
• Seats
• Status
• Style
• Updated
• VR

Also known as Sterling Cinemas

Add to favorites

Sterling Theater

Sterling, IL

402 Locust Street

, Sterling, IL 61081 United States

(map)

815.625.6215

Status:	Open
Screens:	Twin
Style:	Art Moderne

Function:	Movies
Seats:	500
Chain:	21st Century Cinemas

Architect:	John R. McLane
Firm:	Unknown

1944 view of the reconstructed Sterling, with rebuilt lighted tower

Photo courtesy of Classic Cinemas

Originally built in 1924 for vaudeville and stage acts (architect unknown), this 1,200 seat theater was partially destroyed by fire on July 9, 1943. It was rebuilt in an Art Moderne style designed by architect John R. McLane and opened on September 28, 1944 with 1,020 seats. One of the features of the rebuilt Sterling was a lighted tower, which became a beacon for entertainment in downtown Sterling.

It was later twinned and was taken over by Classic cinemas in July 1997. The lighted tower was rebuilt and re-lit by Classic Cinemas during a 2000 renovation.

From October 2003 until 2004, the theater was part of the Sensible Cinemas chain, but since July 2004, has been under new independent ownership of 21st Cinemas, as a discount house. The Sterling Theater also features special free shows as well as an independent film series.

Related Websites

21st Cinemas (Official)

Contributed by Coral Carlson, Roger Anthony

YOUR COMMENTS

Is it still part of Classic Cinemas? I dont see it anywhere on their website

posted by SNWEB.ORG on Feb 6, 2004 at 12:12pm

It is now known as the Sterling Cinemas and operated as a discount theatre by the Sensible Cinemas chain with a website http://www.sensiblecinemas.com/

posted by Roger Katz on Feb 6, 2004 at 12:58pm

This theater is now operated by 21st Century Cinemas, the same company operating the nearby Plaza 4 in Dixon. The site layout looks very similar to the Sensible Cinemas site, which makes me think the companies may be related. The SterlingTheater.com site linked above is now gone.

http://www.21stcinemas.com/sterling.htm

posted by Tim Messer on Apr 11, 2007 at 12:30pm

Here is a photo of the Sterling Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Dec 22, 2007 at 7:56pm

Is this theater for sale? ms2728@aol.com

posted by M. Slayton on May 6, 2008 at 7:16am

As Roger Katz posted on Feb 6, 2004, the primary name is Sterling Cinemas. And here is the website as previously posted by Tim Messer on Apr 11, 2007.

posted by Lost Memory on May 21, 2008 at 9:50am

This is a May of 1941 ad.

posted by Lost Memory on May 28, 2008 at 7:09pm

Here's a 2008 view: http://www.boxsetgallery.com/stein/index4.html

posted by hstein on Oct 30, 2008 at 4:02pm

Yes, this stylish venue IS for sale! Check out: http://www.21stcinemas.com/sterling.htm

I will post a contact number for the owners, shortly!

posted by Bloo on Dec 19, 2008 at 10:15am

I understand this theatre has been successfully operated as a discount house but was closed in 2008 due to some management matters as well as some air conditioning problems. Those have been worked on and the owners plan to reopen the Sterling in early 2009. In the meantime, they are still offering the theatre FOR SALE. Contact Mark at 217-549-3000

posted by Bloo on Dec 29, 2008 at 4:32pm

1984 Photo

1984 Photo

1986 Photo

posted by Lost Memory on May 19, 2009 at 6:23pm

Here is a recent photo of the Sterling Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Aug 25, 2009 at 8:05pm

Note: Please read our comment policy before posting. Comments which are off-topic, obscene, spam, or personal attacks will be removed. Help us keep the discussion productive!

Search

Theater Guide

Add Your Cinema Treasure!

Newest Theaters

Recent Comments

Updated Theaters

Sterling Theater

Related Websites

YOUR COMMENTS

Notify me when someone replies to my comment?