How many restored theaters can a market the size of Kenosha support? If it is between the Kenosha and the Roosevelt, I’ll take the Kenosha. The Kenosha is a relatively exciting atmospheric design. This looks like a run-of-the-mill period neighborhood movie theater that has served many other functions over the years. I do wish the city would retain the exterior. But it doesn’t sound like they want to get into that. It sounds like they want to be done with this situation.
I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. But is this really worth the effort when there are other (in my opinion better) theaters nearby that could use support?
I think the title, “Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!” is a little harsh. But this guy does have a point:
Caption:
There are few crimes for which I would prescribe a spear through the face as a just punishment… but this is one of them! Really, what idiot decided to put the sign support pole directly through the face of the lovely goddess on this old theatre on Cermak? Probably a misogynist…
The lobby was a fine design. It rose two stories and was filled with art deco “coronet” decorations. I hope someone, somewhere has a picture of it. But the time I saw the auditorium it was all painted white, but probably cool in its day as well.
Not quite that bad. But partial demolition has taken place, and there has been significant damage related to the fact that it has been sitting without maintenance for so many years.
There is enough of the interior left for restoration to conceivably occur. But it would be an unbelievably expensive undertaking.
The impression I get from eye-witness accounts is that the lobby (which has landmark status) is in much better shape than the auditorium.
Well, sadly, there are several reasons. For one the building has been devastated. For another the political and social climate of the surrounding area seems to voice prefererence for turning the property into something else.
I may regret getting in the middle of this. But: why do you care Warren? I think most photographers would be happy to have significant numbers of people viewing their material. And, for those who have concerns, I’m pretty sure there is a way to set those albums to private.
Instead of posting angry messages here, why don’t you use your time to email the guy who posted the picture above and inform him of the crime that has taken place. If he cares, he can defend himself.
I was just looking at the virtual tour offered through the theatre’s official web site. Even though they converted the projection booth to a luxury suite, one projector was left in place. I wonder if that projector can actually be used to show films, or if it is just a trendy decoration? I don’t see the array of supporting gear usually apparent in projection booth photos.
Well, I didn’t see the ad. But my guess is that they are saying that films must be a part of the picture. So if someone wanted to turn the booth into luxury suites, as in the case of the Bronx Paradise, it would be against the rules.
I can conceive of how parts of the building might have needed big repairs. On the other hand, there might very well have been an effort to sell demolition to the public. Only those on the inside of the deal know the truth.
I really like this design. It is a shame they couldn’t have done better on this one.
How many restored theaters can a market the size of Kenosha support? If it is between the Kenosha and the Roosevelt, I’ll take the Kenosha. The Kenosha is a relatively exciting atmospheric design. This looks like a run-of-the-mill period neighborhood movie theater that has served many other functions over the years. I do wish the city would retain the exterior. But it doesn’t sound like they want to get into that. It sounds like they want to be done with this situation.
I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. But is this really worth the effort when there are other (in my opinion better) theaters nearby that could use support?
Wow, this sounds promising. I’ve been wondering how the next phase of life for this building would shape up.
Has this been posted yet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe3E66gwTUo
I think the title, “Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!” is a little harsh. But this guy does have a point:
Caption:
There are few crimes for which I would prescribe a spear through the face as a just punishment… but this is one of them! Really, what idiot decided to put the sign support pole directly through the face of the lovely goddess on this old theatre on Cermak? Probably a misogynist…
Web Address:
View link
Great news!
Count me as one who thought this property would never reopen as a theatre again.
That is a sweet web site.
Wow, it is really happening!
I don’t know why they feel they need to screw with it. Last time I was there it was a really nice little plaza.
The lobby was a fine design. It rose two stories and was filled with art deco “coronet” decorations. I hope someone, somewhere has a picture of it. But the time I saw the auditorium it was all painted white, but probably cool in its day as well.
It’s not over yet Bryan. That statement is code for, “the project fell apart and we don’t know what the hell is going on.”
Of course no businessman is going to come right out and say that.
If someone felt like being an organizer, I bet an energetic preservation group could get the facade saved.
Nice place.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/darrius/page2/
A discussion of atrocities would not be complete without mentioning the Elmwood:
/theaters/1942/
It is a pretty bad color scheme. Kind of reminds me of Vegas.
Could be wrong. But don’t think these have been added yet:
View link
Sweet!!!
This is a new one on me.
Great building. http://www.theparamountcenter.com has some photos of the interior.
Not quite that bad. But partial demolition has taken place, and there has been significant damage related to the fact that it has been sitting without maintenance for so many years.
There is enough of the interior left for restoration to conceivably occur. But it would be an unbelievably expensive undertaking.
The impression I get from eye-witness accounts is that the lobby (which has landmark status) is in much better shape than the auditorium.
Well, sadly, there are several reasons. For one the building has been devastated. For another the political and social climate of the surrounding area seems to voice prefererence for turning the property into something else.
Virtual tour:
View link
I may regret getting in the middle of this. But: why do you care Warren? I think most photographers would be happy to have significant numbers of people viewing their material. And, for those who have concerns, I’m pretty sure there is a way to set those albums to private.
Instead of posting angry messages here, why don’t you use your time to email the guy who posted the picture above and inform him of the crime that has taken place. If he cares, he can defend himself.
Well, considering that it sounds like they want to strip the place, I have to respectfully disagree on the “Very nice!” comment.
The Chicago Theatre (Chicago) had a shaft running down to railway freight tunnels forty feet below street level for the purposes of cooling.
I was just looking at the virtual tour offered through the theatre’s official web site. Even though they converted the projection booth to a luxury suite, one projector was left in place. I wonder if that projector can actually be used to show films, or if it is just a trendy decoration? I don’t see the array of supporting gear usually apparent in projection booth photos.
Well, I didn’t see the ad. But my guess is that they are saying that films must be a part of the picture. So if someone wanted to turn the booth into luxury suites, as in the case of the Bronx Paradise, it would be against the rules.
I can conceive of how parts of the building might have needed big repairs. On the other hand, there might very well have been an effort to sell demolition to the public. Only those on the inside of the deal know the truth.
I really like this design. It is a shame they couldn’t have done better on this one.