Cine Theatre
2516 W. Devon Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60659
2516 W. Devon Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60659
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The Rapp & Rapp-designed Cine was opened in 1937 in the neighborhood of West Rogers Park, on Devon Avenue at Maplewood Avenue. The Cine closed in 1953 and was converted into a clothing store. The former theater has housed an Indian restaurant for many years.
Contributed by
filmking, Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
An article in the November 1, 1936 issue of the Chicago Daily Tribune says that this theatre would be built by Sam C. Meyers, who already operated Teatro del Lago in “No Man’s Land,” the Wilmette Theatre in that suburb, and the Villard Theatre in Villa Park. Meyers had yet to name the new theatre, which would occupy a 108' by 125' site on the northeast corner of Devon and Maplewood Avenues. Plans were being drawn by Rapp & Rapp for a 1,200 seat auditorium, with three stores adjoining. The projected cost was about $200,000.
Photos of this theater are HERE
I was just looking at your photos B. It looks to me, going by the alley views, that the second story of the auditorium might still exist above the first floor stores. Do you have any insight on the matter?
I don’t know. It seems possible to me, too, but I’m not sure who I could ask to find out for sure. I’m intrigued by the sign on the corner that says “Viceroy Convention Center – Hall For Rent”. Whether that’s just the floor above the stores, or a divided part of the auditorium, I do not know. THSA doesn’t have much on this theater, no interior shots.
Really? I thought I donated an old catalog to them about ten years ago that had some photos of the lobby and auditorium when new. Maybe I didn’t, which would mean it is up in my parents' attic. I visit them every month or two and will try and remember to look next time.
This was built by Balaban & Katz, and first opened on September 4th, 1937, according to newspaper ads in the Chicago Tribune which said that the name should be pronounced “SeeNAY.” The theatre was described as “A Modern Miracle of entertainment A Crystal setting for all the Best Pictures…Perfect Sound. Perfect Sight. Perfect Modern Air Conditioning.” The accompanying “T” word used the “er” ending (Cine Theater), but might have been changed to Cine Theatre later on.
http://i44.tinypic.com/24e2wy1.jpg
Wow, I hadn’t realized this placed didn’t even make it twenty years.
I’m also glad to see that they finally cleaned up the scar left by that glass brick tower.
September 9th, 1937 grand opening ad posted here.