Windsor Theatre
1225 N. Clark Street,
Chicago,
IL
60610
1225 N. Clark Street,
Chicago,
IL
60610
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The principals of Pereira & Pereira, the firm that did the 1936 remodeling of the Windsor Theatre, were William Pereira and Hal Pereira. Percival Pereira was an older architect who was never a member of this firm.
An article in the May 14, 1961 Chicago Tribune (“Windsor Theater Ends Distinguished Career”) states that the theater first opened on the site in September 1886 as a legitimate playhouse. The article goes on to say that the Windsor had two fires since 1886 but was rebuilt each time. It says that in 1914, the theater that was being torn down in 1961 was opened, as a movie theater.
In 1934 a modernization in a chinese theme by Pereira & Pereira was announced but not carried out. In 1936 a more extensive, $70,000 plan by the same firm was used,
“Gay colors and new materials will be features of the exterior. Blue will be the prevailing hue. The interior will be entirely rebuilt, with new seats and a new lounge and restrooms in a space acquired for that purpose. The present boxes will be removed. An enlarged air conditioning system will be installed.”
The Windsor featured a balcont and stage.
It was built on the site of a nickelodeon, the Lincoln, that had burned down.
According to records at the Chicago Historical Society, this was one of Rapp & Rapp’s earliest projects.
Yep—it was on the east side of he street. Right to the south of it was “The Shooting Gallery” which was equivalent to the videogame rooms of today. I worked in the ticket counter/popcorn concession.
Wasn’t the Windsor on the east side of Clark Street? If so there are condos and a Blockbuster store. The Jewel is on the west side of the street.