Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N. Main Street,
Rockford,
IL
61101
314 N. Main Street,
Rockford,
IL
61101
19 people
favorited this theater
The Coronado Theatre opened in 1927 as a lavish, atmospheric movie palace rivaling those built in Chicago. The theater carried on its tradition of showing movies and stage shows well into the 1960’s, hosting stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Milton Berle, and many more.
In 1970, Kerasotes Theatres purchased the Coronado. A few years later, in 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By 1984, the Coronado was forced to end the movie exhibition portion of its business due to declining revenues.
In 1997, the theater was donated by the Kerasotes family to the city of Rockford and a multi-million renovation began. The 2400-seat theater has now reopened and is used for concerts and stage shows.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 46 comments)
Lost: Great job, as usual!
The marquee sort of mirrors that of the Genessee Theatre in Waukegan.
I didn’t know there was already a renovated performing arts theatre in Rockford, that is “hoping to break even”.
I guess that doesn’t bode well for any renovation hopes for either the Midway or the Times Theatre’s. On the Midway page it’s listed for sale, but it includes an entire building that would need attention and other tenants.
This is the Coronado Theater at night.
1982 Photo
1982 Photo
1987 Photo
1982 Interior photo of the Coronado
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Theatre appears at # 31 on 150 places to visit if you are in illinois
http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/
A 4/17 Barton was installed in the theatre in 1927.
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Why does it still have the Kerasotes on the marquee?
I have uploaded the full-page grand opening grand opening ad from October 8th, 1927 as well as an close-up of the text on that ad. It can be found on this theatre’s photo page.