Comments about Avalon Regal Theater in Chicago, IL

DaveM on March 23, 2013 at 3:22 pm

This has been listed on and off for months. The update reflects that the price has been cut from $500k to $100k(!) Very sad. Property records indicate the seller is the FDIC. I haven’t been in the theater since the late 80s just after its restoration by the Gardner family, but back then it was in spectacular condition. This is a close second to the Loew’s Paradise as my favorite theater.

Dan Matson on March 22, 2013 at 10:42 am

It’s up for sale Not sure if the listing was updated or first posted yesterday.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17988180/1645-55-East-79th-Street-Chicago-IL/

RickB on January 18, 2013 at 2:26 am

Shots of five endangered Chicago palaces—including this one—and a Roger Ebert essay. Chicago Magazine

Matt Lambros on August 23, 2012 at 8:14 pm

The projection booth was empty and not very memorable. I’ll check and see if I have any images of it though.

Scott on August 23, 2012 at 7:07 pm

Your photos are excellent. I wish there was a close-up of the projection booth, which I’ve never seen a really good view of.

Matt Lambros on August 23, 2012 at 3:21 pm

I recently photographed the Avalon/New Regal Theatre check out some photos at After the Final Curtain

rivest266 on June 27, 2012 at 12:49 am

August 28th, 1927 grand opening is in the photo section.

DaveM on April 28, 2012 at 5:11 am

From the Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/12025951-418/ex-cop-charged-with-money-laundering-linked-to-regal-theater-rehab.html

Pano1974 on April 6, 2012 at 5:25 pm

I have looked into the theatre, it is beautiful! However there are about a half a dozen major reasons that hold me back. The interior of this theatre is amazing, and it is a work of art.

Broan on April 6, 2012 at 4:48 pm

FDIC.

theatre123 on April 6, 2012 at 4:28 pm

THE BANK OWNS THE THEATRE

Pano1974 on September 6, 2011 at 3:18 am

The FDIC owns the theater.

DaveM on September 6, 2011 at 3:03 am

From the front page of today’s Chicago Tribune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-police-chief-lawsuit-20110905,0,4481922,full.story

The FDIC (which took over the bank which held the mortgage on the Regal/Avalon) may have acquired the theater in a foreclosure sale earlier this summer. If anyone knows for sure, please post!

Broan on July 28, 2011 at 4:53 am

Here is a 1955 photo

CSWalczak on April 6, 2011 at 7:47 pm

Recently named to the list of the most endangered historical sites in Illinois: View link.

Pano1974 on February 21, 2011 at 3:35 am

They are in bankruptcy again.

Chrys on January 8, 2011 at 5:56 pm

Lived in Chatham in the early 1950’s and remember taking the 79th St bus to the Avalon theater. Many great memories.

Broan on September 30, 2009 at 10:51 pm

View link – Facing foreclosure

Scott on December 22, 2008 at 3:14 am

I guess my sarcasm wasn’t apparent.

MPol on December 21, 2008 at 6:05 pm

That’s not at all surprising, Scott.

MPol on December 21, 2008 at 6:03 pm

Ohhhhhhh! Scary, indeed!

It’s horrible that this sort of stuff still goes on, in a supposedly modernized and civilized society.

Scott on December 18, 2008 at 5:37 pm

Thanks for the info Warren. I was wondering what the procedure was for knocking over a theatre in the good old days.

Scott on December 17, 2008 at 5:02 pm

So I guess the smart thing to do when you stick up a theatre is to rob the manager. I’m a little surprised that there would be a robbery on Chicago’s South side.

MPol on December 17, 2008 at 6:54 am

Ouch!! Oh, no, ken mc. What a horrible thing to be robbed. $27.00 isn’t exactly peanuts, especially in today’s economy.

kencmcintyre on December 17, 2008 at 3:29 am

From Boxoffice magazine, January 1938:

CHICAGO-Miss Florence Smith, cashier of the Warner Avalon Theater, was held up and robbed of $27 Saturday night.

Avalon Regal Theater

1645 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60649

1645 E. 79th Street,
Chicago, IL 60649