State Theatre
5814 W. Madison Street,
Chicago,
IL
60644
5814 W. Madison Street,
Chicago,
IL
60644
4 people
favorited this theater
The State Theatre was one of the largest and most impressive-looking of the numerous theaters in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, on the city’s westernmost border. Its architect was Edward Steinberg, who is noted for his Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, as well as the Belpark Theatre on the Northwest side of Chicago, which is now a banquet hall.
Opened in 1925 for the Lubliner & Trinz circuit, it could seat almost 1,900. One of the most notable features of its Baroque facade was a miniature version of the arched window of Rapp & Rapp’s Chicago Theatre, by which his design of the State Theatre Steinberg was clearly inspired by.
Acquired by Balaban & Katz in the early-1930’s, the State Theatre continued to operate at least into the 1970’s before it was closed.
Though vacant for decades, it was still very much an Austin landmark. In fact, the theater (and adjoining building) were listed by the city as an “historically significant” structure, but regardless of this, the State Theatre was unfortunately demolished in 1995.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
The State theatre was open at least through mid 1970. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Sunday May 31, 1970: abcSTATE “A MAN CALLED HORSE” plus “100 RIFLES”.
I’ll be damned. I forgot about this place, and I even took a photograph of it. That photograph was taken in the late 80’s, at which time the building looked to be maintained. I’m sorry they didn’t save at least the exterior, epecially when you consider that the Lawndale Theatre continues to rot away over on Roosevelt (although I think there is still a church in there).
The State theatre continued to operate into the early 1970s, although not as an abc theatre. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings, Sunday April 2,1972: STATE 5814 W. Madison—379-6088 Op.12:30—“DUTCHMAN” World Premiere Al Freeman’s “GOIN' DOWN SLOW”. Almost a year later, on Friday, March 9, 1973, I found this in the Sun Times: LILLARD STATE 5814 W. Madison Op. 5:30 “HICKEY & BOGGS” “ACROSS 110TH STREET” Anthony Quinn.
Yep. I remember that transition from ABC to Lillard. Saw it myself fifteen years ago while researching old movie listings.
I’m going purely from memory on this, but there’s a fine B&W pic of the State, c. Dec. 1936, in the current issue – Spring 2007 – of “First & Fastest.” (Am unable to reproduce it here as I lack the technical equipment, but perhaps another traction/movie fan can.)
The exact date for the State Theatre photo mentioned in the post above is Dec. 5, 1936. (It appears on p. 18 of “F&F” magazine.)
NEWS ITEM:
Chicago Daily News, Wednesday, June 5, 1940, p. 23, c. 7—-
COMPLETE ‘GWTW’ FOR NEIGHBORHOODS
The most-talked-of picture ever filmed, “Gone With The Wind,” begins its one week only engagement in the neighborhoods on Friday, June 7, when Balaban & Katz books the technicolor classic into the Tower Theater, 63rd street and Blackstone; the State Theater, 5814 West Madison street, and the Riviera Theater, Broadway at Lawrence.
It will be presented complete and intact, as it is being shown in the Loop.
Reserved seats for the engagements are on sale at special box-offices in each theater and mail orders are being given prompt attention. Seats are reserved for the evening performances which start at 8 pm and for the Sunday matinee, which will begin at 2 pm.
Week day matinees will be continuous from 10 am. Patrons may come as late as 2 pm and see a complete matinee performance.
The State theatre was operating at least through early July 1978- although it probably closed and re-opened once or twice during the 1970s with new owners/ operators. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Saturday, July 1, 1978: STATE 5814 W. Madison St. 261-0962—Open 1:00 “YOUNGBLOOD” “THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN”.
Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/dz9seh
Would be amazing if there were more exterior photos from the sixties and earlier – plus interiors. Sad that there is so little information available about this fantastic old theater.