Rivoli Theatre
4380 N. Elston Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
4380 N. Elston Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
1 person
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Opened in 1923, the Rivoli Theatre served the neighborhoods of Old Irving Park and Mayfair for decades. The theater stood on Elston Avenue at Keystone Avenue, not far from Montrose Avenue. The building later functioned as both a ballroom and banquet hall.
Since the early 1980s, the former Rivoli has housed the Muslim Community Center, which includes classrooms, a bookstore and worship space in the auditorium.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Here is a 2000 exterior view of the former Rivoli’s entrance.
I visited here today. The auditorium is well-intact aside from the leveled floor and pushed-in back wall. The MCC seemed to indicate that they moved in during the early 1980s; it seems to have functioned as a ballroom and banquet hall for some time after the 50s. The auditorium also features acoustical ceiling tile from the 30s arranged in an interesting deco pattern. The MCC is very friendly and welcoming. I have some pictures I hope to post soon.
Recent photos of this theatre are HERE
Here is part of a July 1956 article in the Chicago Tribune. I assume the theater was already closed, it they were trying to turn it into a warehouse.
ZONING BOARD OK’s THEATER AS WAREHOUSE
Neighbors Complain of Noise
A zoning variation to allow a plastic toy warehouse to operate in a former theater building at 4380 Elston Avenue was approved last week by the city zoning board of appeals.
I added another pic today. Unfortunately the original face at the top of the arch was jackhammered off within the last week. As I mentioned under the photo, less work would have likely been needed just to remove the entire stone. And sell it to help fund their exterior renovation. Which I was told last week by folks outside was going to be “restored”.
The American Contractor lists Arthur Howell Knox as architect.