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   Discover. Preserve. Protect.
Home » Theater Guide » Location » United States » Illinois » Springfield » Southtown Theatre
Also known as Empress Theatre

Southtown Theatre

Springfield, IL
1106 S. Grand Avenue East
, Springfield, IL 62703 United States
(map)
Status: Closed
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Art Moderne
Function: Retail
Seats: 630
Chain: Unknown
Architect: Carl T. Meyer
Firm: Unknown
Add a photo for this theater!
Opened as the Empress Theatre in 1915, and renamed the Southtown in 1938, this theater closed in 1959 as a movie house. It, however, has been wonderfully maintained, and its gorgeous Streamline Moderne marquee, which still says "Southtown", now advertises the stained glass studio now housed inside.
Contributed by Bryan

YOUR COMMENTS

 
Incredibly, in the entire city of Springfield, the Southtown seems to be the only vintage movie house that is still standing and identifiable as a former theater.
posted by D. Snow on Mar 27, 2005 at 5:41pm
The only other vintage theater in Springfield still standing is the Esquire, and it in no way resembles its original look. The Southtown is a must-see if you are in the area.
posted by Norman Plant on May 3, 2005 at 6:33pm
Just stumbled on this site! GREAT!
I have good news about the Southtown. We are in the planning stages of completely restoring the marquee and the facade with all lighting-including neon. As soon as I am able to post an original photo of the marquee from 1936, from the architect’s portfolio, I will.
Jim Walch Owner since 1981
posted by JWalch on Oct 5, 2005 at 5:33pm
JWalch: Congrats as I just read about this theatre on the Castle Theatre link.
posted by Patsy on Feb 9, 2006 at 4:32pm
Hi,
Could someone tell me what progress has been made in the restoration of this theatre? I'm an independnet filmmaker and my documentary about theatre preservation, "Preserve Me a Seat," is nearing completion. This summer, I will be taking the film "on tour" to show as a benefit for historic theaters/preservation groups in the midwest. I was curious to know what was happening with this project and if the theater/preservation group might be a possibility to fit in my tour. For more information about the movie, visit my website at: www.apartment101films.com
Thanks,
Jim Fields
posted by indianhills4ever on Mar 26, 2006 at 7:58am
Here is a recent photo of the Southtown Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Oct 2, 2006 at 7:46am
Restoration has begun!
Although slow due the cold weather, the top of the facade is finished. The marquee is in the process of being dismantled and removed to the sign shop for new sheet metal, wiring and neon. This should be complete by late spring of 07.
The black & white photo is an original from the architect, Carl T. Meyer’s, portfolio when the façade was new in 1936.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jimwalch@sbcglobal.net/album/1152921504625756665


posted by JWalch on Feb 15, 2007 at 10:19am
This is a 2007 photo of the former Southtown Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:40am
Many years ago I was in Springfield Illinois, but at the time I wasn't interested in old theatres so missed seeing this one.
posted by Patsy on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:53am
Compare the 2007 photo to the photo I posted on Oct 2, 2006. It appears that someone fixed this building up in the past year. Its not a bad looking building. Too bad its not a theater anymore.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 27, 2007 at 11:06am
Yes, it is too bad that it is no longer a theater, but it is nice to see that the owners of the stained glass business have chosen to restore the marquee and incorporate it into their business!
posted by Patsy on Jun 27, 2007 at 11:09am
Here is the glass studio at night.

posted by Lost Memory on Jul 2, 2007 at 9:12am
This is a more recent photo of the Southtown Theater building.

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 5, 2007 at 6:53pm
I would like to thank Lost Memory for posting the photos of the Southtown Theater. This is something I should have been doing but just don't have the time, yet. The restoration is finished and it looks great. If you happen to visit Springfield, Illinois look us up and see the marquee lit up. It is on from dark to 1 AM everyday. If anyone is interested in owning this building email me. jimwalch@sbcglobal.net
posted by JWalch on Jan 8, 2008 at 2:10pm
marquee relighting 2007
http://www.springfield.il.us/RELEASES/2007%20Releases/TheaterMarquee.htm
posted by HowardBHaas on Jan 9, 2008 at 8:15am
Here is another photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 25, 2008 at 6:59pm
This is a nice close-up photo of the Southtown Theater building.

posted by Lost Memory on Dec 15, 2008 at 1:28pm
Here is an item from Boxoffice magazine, October 1947:

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.-The Springfield-Frisina Theater Co. has purchased the Southtown Theater building from the Springfield Marine Bank for $35,000. The Frisina Amusement Co. has been operating the Southtown, a 300-seater, in conjunction with Leo Burnstine for a number of years. Mrs. Harry Burnstine manages the theater.
posted by ken mc on Dec 30, 2008 at 6:49pm
1982 Photo

1984 Photo

posted by Lost Memory on May 18, 2009 at 10:14am
Another photo is here.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 14, 2009 at 9:01am
Very nice job of restoring the marquee and front of building.
posted by tlsloews on Mar 2, 2010 at 2:15pm
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