Willard Theatre

Chicago, IL

340 E. 51st Street

, Chicago, IL 60615 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Unknown

Function:	Church, Community Center
Seats:	750
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Unknown
Firm:	Unknown

The Willard, in Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood, on 51st Street at Calumet Avenue, was opened in 1911 for the Jones, Linick and Schaefer circuit, as a venue for both movies and live performances. From about 1917 to 1926, it was known as the New Park Theatre. The theater could originally seat around 1000, but seating was later reduced.

During the 20s and 30s, like many South Side theaters, the Willard/New Park was a popular venue for jazz performers in addition to onscreen entertainment. It was acquired by the Essaness chain in its later years of operation.

The Willard closed as a movie theater during the 50s, and today the building is home to a church and community center.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

YOUR COMMENTS

Was this previously known as the New Park? Jazz Age Chicago has a New Park Theatre listed with 1000 seats as of 1923 at 342 E 51st.

posted by BWChicago on Feb 27, 2005 at 10:57pm

It opened in 1911. http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/su/cja/jazzmaps/33.htm . It was renamed the New Park from about 1917-1926. It actually DOES still stand. Although the address maps to the NW Corner of Calumet and 51st, it is still there, actually at the NE Corner. It looks like the surrounding building has been reconstructed, but the theater stands. It was originally a Jones, Linick, Shaefer theater, and later Essaness.

posted by BWChicago on Jun 15, 2006 at 3:00pm

Here are photos of this theatre. As I said, the status of this theatre should be changed to closed, function as community center/church.

posted by BWChicago on Mar 13, 2007 at 2:37pm

Fascinating find. That is a pretty big room. On casual glance I'd say there easily could have been over 1,000 seats in there at some point.

posted by Life's too short on Dec 13, 2007 at 4:17pm

Here is a March 1915 ad from the Suburbanite Economist:
http://tinyurl.com/m9lbyz

posted by ken mc on Jun 13, 2009 at 8:50pm

The March 1915 ad seems to get around.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 14, 2009 at 4:38am

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

Willard Theatre

YOUR COMMENTS

Notify me when someone replies to my comment?