The Mayan had a major role this evening on the NBC prime time show “Life”. The theater was the opening scene of the murder of the lead singer of a fictional metal cover band called Hot Lead.
They only utilized tight shots of the marquee sides. But did show the auditorium, stage & suspended mirrored ball. Along with various interior bar shots, and stage door/alley exteriors.
Since it was a new episode, it’s plausible that it was the filming that was taking place the day of ken mc’s Dec. 3rd photo.
Just to further confirm, the Skokie Theatre does have provisions to show films. Though I don’t know the projection or screen specifics, the silent film “Nosferatu” is scheduled there for 8PM on February 27th.
It is advertised along with the rest of Skokie’s full stage, comedy & music schedule for Feb. & Mar., in Street Level. A free local newspaper serving Nortside Chicago, Evanston & Skokie.
Thanks. Cheers to the new Alderman for making the landmarking happen.
That never would have happened with Natarus. If only the Esquire facade could be spared.
Yes!, exactly. But with much less obvious parking signage. I remember the one on Monroe had just small neon arrows for In & Out. Hikers took the cars from patrons once inside.
Apparently there was an article about the Village and a proposed National Historic Register status, in this past Saturday’s or Sunday’s Red Eye newspaper.
I looked for it online, but couldn’t pull it up in a search of their site.
Gone by early 1982 sounds right.
I walked up Monroe St. from State to Wacker, every evening from Sept.82-March83 for work at the old USG building. And I would have remembered a closed or boarded up theatre along my route, had it still been standing.
There was however along Monroe St., one of those old multi-level indoor parking garages, built to look from the outside like every other office building in the 1920’s.
The entrance & exit driveway doors were arched. And the upper floors had textured chicken-wire glass windows, to mask from the street that it housed cars. I believe it had an auto elevator inside too.
Sometimes I would come up early from the subway near the Chicago Theatre, and zig zag my way S/W past all the other theatres that were still standing in late `82.
The Kennedy Expressway was originally called the Northwest Expressway, when it opened in November of 1960. It was renamed the Kennedy 7 days after the assassination of JFK.
The Haymarket Theatre would have been just East of where the SkyBridge Condominium tower is now located. A Dominicks food store is the 1st floor tenant. Construction of SkyBridge began in 1999. A newly built Manufacturers Bank and local TV channel 26 the “U” are located across the street on the N/W corner of Madison & Halsted. Manufacturer’s Bank was previously on the S/W corner.
Saw “Gran Torino” at Webster Place 11 on 01/19/09.
$10.75 each for adults, plus $2.00 for validated, automated parking. (Remember to park in the multi-level lot to qualify for discount. Open air strip mall lot is apparently still not inclusive to the theaters.)
Webster Place 11 was very clean with a uniformed staff. Visibly armed security guard seemed like overkill. But I assume only they know what they might encounter on a regular basis. Carpeting & restrooms were spotless.
Typical high prices for the ever shrinking sized snack items. Potbelly across the street seemed the better value for killing time. Short of staring at the mass of treadmill users in the gym’s window.
Elevator from the parking lot had an obvious recoat of flat black paint, to combat past or ongoing graffiti. Carpet was beat, but it is mid January. Surrounding sidewalks remained unshoveled.
What’s with all the TV show & Coke commercials before the trailers? They even offer advertising opportunities within the same.
It still amazes me how much trash gets left behind, in just two hours time. Hats off to the clean-up staff for their diligence.
Footage of the “Slumdog Millionaire” cast & director at the BIG Cinema in Mumbai, was featured on TV’s “Access Hollywood” this evening. The footage was used as background for today’s Academy Award nominations for the film.
It also appeared the nominations were watched live by the above at the theater.
I vaguely remember this theatre, though I was very young. It was more visible from the lower CTA track to the West, than from the main ones up top. The lower track was used for express trains to go around others that were standing at Wilson. I also remember the many items that patrons of the Hotel for Men would routinely stack on their window sills facing the “L”.
There was a small, long time snack shop in between the two sets of tracks at street level. Just East of the De Luxe.
Even further East was a steak house of sorts at Broadway & Wilson. The CTA website has several photos of the Wilson Ave. station over the years. But none that look West towards the De LUxe.
Maybe Truman College has pictures of the De Luxe and/or it’s marquee in their archives.
Geez. Why didn’t Ald. Smith just have Live Nation show up and buy it at the auction? I read where even JAM was surprised that they themselves were the only bidders.
Why wait til JAM lays out the front money, and then attempt to dictate what they do with THEIR property?
Only in Chicago.
Wow…walkin' around with almost 5 G’s in cash in 1927? With a cop, and still getting robbed? Sounds like Mr. Hogan got set-up.
Too bad the Stratford Theater building couldn’t have hung on long enough to be appreciated more as a neighborhood landmark. And restored to it’s former glory. The Bob Hope history alone should have prevented it’s fate.
Good news! According to 42nd Ward Alderman Reilly’s Office e-newsletter, the Village Theater received final landmark status as of today.
The attached Germania Club building is next on his list.
I have the link if anyone is interested, you are welcome to e-mail me for it.
Greetings. I guess I was recollecting in general, some of what I remember discussing elsewhere on how the Triple X industry both impacted older theatres, and then took off on it’s own after basically no longer needing them. Some theatres read as rebounding after Triple X, some don’t.
I like to read all the posts when I link to an unfamiliar theatre. I guess the post from 2004 about the business & advertising/money end of the Pussycat Theater, had gotten my mind going in the direction it did.
As I read on, stream of thought went where it went.
Though my comments may not have been about this particular theatre, I thought they were somewhat relevant and might be of interest to some.
If my last reading of the Studs Theatre as a “dying breed” was an unconscious catalyst, my post might have shed some light on how/why the X industry seemed to fare elsewhere.
In Chicago, once home to many X rated theatres, I can think of only one still in existence, The Admiral. And that’s really now more of the live stage show nature. With small video booths instead of a projector and mass seating as it once had. Also open 24/7.
It spent a lot of money during a remodel years back, and stayed around long after the rest of it’s like theatres closed up. So I guess that would be the ultimate of the dying breed. That is in no danger of dying anytime soon.
Someone else reading this may now very well click to the Admiral page.
If I went off topic, I certainly apologize. But if some reading my posts have other memories triggered by them, I think that’s what CT is all about. I sometimes read posts by some who have never even been in the theatres or cities they are located in. They merely post to praise any given theatre’s architecture, history or past promotions as they come across them. Then they are maybe reminded about a different forgotten theatre, or tour like Cinerama. And they begin to search CT even more. I know I do.
Thanks for the pic. Your recent marquee close-up looks like it was nicely restored.
I found it worth the time to re-read most of what is currently available on the official website at the top of the page. Including the “Blog” link.
Seems they intend to remove the stucco they claim was put on after Oswald’s capture. And return the facade to it’s original 1931 appearance. There are a few films scheduled, but it doesn’t really say they are AT the Texas Theatre.
I just found my 07/28/93 handbill from the Oak Theatre.
Alas, I have no way to scan it.
It advertises the address in print as 2000 North Western Av. Phone 235-8502. Which still should have been a 312 area code back then I believe.
I recapped this particular July night in an earlier post.
One more little tidbit that only music fans may find of interest. The show that night was actually ELO Part II. A toring group comprised of some former ELO members from their heyday. But no Jeff Lynne, the creative force and founder.
On the handbill it clearly states “Electric Light Orchestra LIVE at Oak Theatre”. Similar versions of this type of advertising would years later rear their head as a legal issue facing ELO Part II.
Turns out some unscrupulous promoters would knowingly bill ELO Part II as ELO, in an effort to boost ticket sales. Then claimed a clerical errors when “brought” to their attention.
At the time original drummer & co-founder Bev Bevan retired and left ELO Part II in 1999, they were no longer legally allowed to use ELO in their name. They now tour as The Orchestra. After a very brief stint as, I kid you not: “Electric Light Orchestra Part II Former Members”. A mouthful indeed, that was apparently later also rejected by attorneys after Bevan’s departure. Still a dynamite show though with experienced, accomplished musicians.
Thanks for the pics and updates. Hopefully they will make their 2010 Anniversary target date. They need to dry it in though, roof wise. 30 years is a long span of inactivity.
I’m waiting to read how Chicago’s Uptown Theatre roof has faired.
I too was stunned when I saw that the Rowland Funeral Home had been torn down. Would have made a great museum dedicated to the history of the neighborhood, if nothing else. There used to be some in-ground, city run swimming pools just West of there. In a quadrant/mini public parks kind of street set-up. Then a new foundation for a building that seemed to never get finished was poured after that. I think there are trees where the pool was now.
There was also a spectacular, massive sized church at the very point where Broadway & Sheridan meet, North almost to Montrose. It too was torn down maybe 1992 or so. I think it was closed long before that though. Alledgedly, Un-Godly type activity had apparently been taking place in some of the church’s many exterior alcoves.
Interesting reading. The documents are dated 2006. So obviously the HTR group was able to meet the criteria as of then. There is no news newer than Feb. of 2008 on the HTR website. But the link is active and full of other great history and info.
I read that one of the proposal’s criteria was that 51 percent of the hires for the renovation, had to be D.C residents. Though a noble move on the District’s part, such a stipulation can end up being a double edged sword. In some cases preventing willing, qualified developers who happen to be based out of town, from ever embarking on such a monumental project. Should they not be able to hire subcontractors, even local, as they see fit. I would think the District would have been eager to entertain proposals from ANY reputable developers, as long as it meant the project would come to fruition sooner rather than later.
Not sure if the District of Columbia is a right-to-work state, or if labor unions dictate what contractors are be used, etc. Those elements are certainly factored in when developers make their proposals. Who one hires should be left to the developers though. With full consideration to hire as many locals as possible. But not mandated.
Judging from the both the 2007 & vintage exterior views, it’s possible that the 1941 Streamline facade remodeling, might have ironically preserved the original facade.
Depending how drastic the construction measures were back then, to attach what appears to be just a giant concrete face over the old one.
Not sure why in 1941, that even what remodeling was done was considered Streamlining. It looks completely devoid of any theatrical character whatsoever. And the marquee looks strangley like it was held over from the original incarnation, styling wise.
Hopefully when the new renovation begins to take place, crews will gingerly remove the existing facade. And carefully enough so as to hopefully reveal the original facade still intact behind it. That would truly be returning the classic Howard Theatre to it’s roots.
The project needs an influential donor like Bill Cosby or Tyler Perry. Whose made a substantial, positive economic impact with a theatrical complex in Atlanta. Dubbed the Black Hollywood.
I’m surprised Howard University itself hasn’t adopted the cause given it’s history with the theatre. The venue/ museum concept is perfect. The developers should contact the recreators of Stax Records. Who rebuilt the current Stax museum/recording studio, originally in an old theater, from the original blueprints after their building was torn down.
Great info. I wonder what was spent in comparison, on the 1992 conversion to a live venue. Surely the land value trumped whatever was thought could be earned in any amount of time, running concerts.
That and an offer to develop the entire parcel throughout the Milwaukee Ave. side. I thought the White Castle back then was a reasonably new structure itself. There’s a modern looking condo building across on the N/W corner of Milwaukee & Armitage now too. Where Boston Store used to be I think. S/W corner is still vacant with temp fencing.
Not the New Apollo, I knew of that one too. The one I’m thinking of is a massive possibly 3 story building on a N/W corner. I’m pretty sure it was West of California though. I’ll be down there this weekend, and try to pin it down.
There was a pretty cool old hotel at California & North(S/E corner) once. Not sure if it’s still there either.
There are several ironies in the television & VCR’s having hastened the demise of movie theaters, premise.
One, that some theaters once claimed to having “had” to run porno in order to stay afloat, then closed anyway.
Two, that the porno film biz seemed to flourish from an industry in the shadows, into a multi-million dollar juggernaut. Once it came into video and now DVD itself.
Once the product could be purchased and brought into homes, and not sought out in theaters where interacting with others whether desirable or not, was a given.
The industry then got another giant boost, with the introduction of the internet. Then it’s customer base needn’t even leave their homes to buy the product.
I remember the day’s of “Caligula” creating an uproar when it was first released. And it had name stars in it. It’s probably multiplied it’s sales many times over since then. Probably to it’s own makers surprise.
Which theaters then video stores ran/carried the X version of “The Bad Lieutenant”, was the last such controversy. Upon it’s release, the popularity of owning your own copies of anything was on a fast uprise.
The Mayan had a major role this evening on the NBC prime time show “Life”. The theater was the opening scene of the murder of the lead singer of a fictional metal cover band called Hot Lead.
They only utilized tight shots of the marquee sides. But did show the auditorium, stage & suspended mirrored ball. Along with various interior bar shots, and stage door/alley exteriors.
Since it was a new episode, it’s plausible that it was the filming that was taking place the day of ken mc’s Dec. 3rd photo.
Just to further confirm, the Skokie Theatre does have provisions to show films. Though I don’t know the projection or screen specifics, the silent film “Nosferatu” is scheduled there for 8PM on February 27th.
It is advertised along with the rest of Skokie’s full stage, comedy & music schedule for Feb. & Mar., in Street Level. A free local newspaper serving Nortside Chicago, Evanston & Skokie.
Thanks. Cheers to the new Alderman for making the landmarking happen.
That never would have happened with Natarus. If only the Esquire facade could be spared.
Yes!, exactly. But with much less obvious parking signage. I remember the one on Monroe had just small neon arrows for In & Out. Hikers took the cars from patrons once inside.
Apparently there was an article about the Village and a proposed National Historic Register status, in this past Saturday’s or Sunday’s Red Eye newspaper.
I looked for it online, but couldn’t pull it up in a search of their site.
Gone by early 1982 sounds right.
I walked up Monroe St. from State to Wacker, every evening from Sept.
82-March83 for work at the old USG building. And I would have remembered a closed or boarded up theatre along my route, had it still been standing.There was however along Monroe St., one of those old multi-level indoor parking garages, built to look from the outside like every other office building in the 1920’s.
The entrance & exit driveway doors were arched. And the upper floors had textured chicken-wire glass windows, to mask from the street that it housed cars. I believe it had an auto elevator inside too.
Sometimes I would come up early from the subway near the Chicago Theatre, and zig zag my way S/W past all the other theatres that were still standing in late `82.
The Kennedy Expressway was originally called the Northwest Expressway, when it opened in November of 1960. It was renamed the Kennedy 7 days after the assassination of JFK.
The Haymarket Theatre would have been just East of where the SkyBridge Condominium tower is now located. A Dominicks food store is the 1st floor tenant. Construction of SkyBridge began in 1999. A newly built Manufacturers Bank and local TV channel 26 the “U” are located across the street on the N/W corner of Madison & Halsted. Manufacturer’s Bank was previously on the S/W corner.
So what was torn down? Is that the actual theatre site between the other two buildings?
That tree looks way older than “Summer of 2008”.
Saw “Gran Torino” at Webster Place 11 on 01/19/09.
$10.75 each for adults, plus $2.00 for validated, automated parking. (Remember to park in the multi-level lot to qualify for discount. Open air strip mall lot is apparently still not inclusive to the theaters.)
Webster Place 11 was very clean with a uniformed staff. Visibly armed security guard seemed like overkill. But I assume only they know what they might encounter on a regular basis. Carpeting & restrooms were spotless.
Typical high prices for the ever shrinking sized snack items. Potbelly across the street seemed the better value for killing time. Short of staring at the mass of treadmill users in the gym’s window.
Elevator from the parking lot had an obvious recoat of flat black paint, to combat past or ongoing graffiti. Carpet was beat, but it is mid January. Surrounding sidewalks remained unshoveled.
What’s with all the TV show & Coke commercials before the trailers? They even offer advertising opportunities within the same.
It still amazes me how much trash gets left behind, in just two hours time. Hats off to the clean-up staff for their diligence.
Footage of the “Slumdog Millionaire” cast & director at the BIG Cinema in Mumbai, was featured on TV’s “Access Hollywood” this evening. The footage was used as background for today’s Academy Award nominations for the film.
It also appeared the nominations were watched live by the above at the theater.
I vaguely remember this theatre, though I was very young. It was more visible from the lower CTA track to the West, than from the main ones up top. The lower track was used for express trains to go around others that were standing at Wilson. I also remember the many items that patrons of the Hotel for Men would routinely stack on their window sills facing the “L”.
There was a small, long time snack shop in between the two sets of tracks at street level. Just East of the De Luxe.
Even further East was a steak house of sorts at Broadway & Wilson. The CTA website has several photos of the Wilson Ave. station over the years. But none that look West towards the De LUxe.
Maybe Truman College has pictures of the De Luxe and/or it’s marquee in their archives.
Geez. Why didn’t Ald. Smith just have Live Nation show up and buy it at the auction? I read where even JAM was surprised that they themselves were the only bidders.
Why wait til JAM lays out the front money, and then attempt to dictate what they do with THEIR property?
Only in Chicago.
Wow…walkin' around with almost 5 G’s in cash in 1927? With a cop, and still getting robbed? Sounds like Mr. Hogan got set-up.
Too bad the Stratford Theater building couldn’t have hung on long enough to be appreciated more as a neighborhood landmark. And restored to it’s former glory. The Bob Hope history alone should have prevented it’s fate.
Good news! According to 42nd Ward Alderman Reilly’s Office e-newsletter, the Village Theater received final landmark status as of today.
The attached Germania Club building is next on his list.
I have the link if anyone is interested, you are welcome to e-mail me for it.
Greetings. I guess I was recollecting in general, some of what I remember discussing elsewhere on how the Triple X industry both impacted older theatres, and then took off on it’s own after basically no longer needing them. Some theatres read as rebounding after Triple X, some don’t.
I like to read all the posts when I link to an unfamiliar theatre. I guess the post from 2004 about the business & advertising/money end of the Pussycat Theater, had gotten my mind going in the direction it did.
As I read on, stream of thought went where it went.
Though my comments may not have been about this particular theatre, I thought they were somewhat relevant and might be of interest to some.
If my last reading of the Studs Theatre as a “dying breed” was an unconscious catalyst, my post might have shed some light on how/why the X industry seemed to fare elsewhere.
In Chicago, once home to many X rated theatres, I can think of only one still in existence, The Admiral. And that’s really now more of the live stage show nature. With small video booths instead of a projector and mass seating as it once had. Also open 24/7.
It spent a lot of money during a remodel years back, and stayed around long after the rest of it’s like theatres closed up. So I guess that would be the ultimate of the dying breed. That is in no danger of dying anytime soon.
Someone else reading this may now very well click to the Admiral page.
If I went off topic, I certainly apologize. But if some reading my posts have other memories triggered by them, I think that’s what CT is all about. I sometimes read posts by some who have never even been in the theatres or cities they are located in. They merely post to praise any given theatre’s architecture, history or past promotions as they come across them. Then they are maybe reminded about a different forgotten theatre, or tour like Cinerama. And they begin to search CT even more. I know I do.
Thanks for the pic. Your recent marquee close-up looks like it was nicely restored.
I found it worth the time to re-read most of what is currently available on the official website at the top of the page. Including the “Blog” link.
Seems they intend to remove the stucco they claim was put on after Oswald’s capture. And return the facade to it’s original 1931 appearance. There are a few films scheduled, but it doesn’t really say they are AT the Texas Theatre.
I just found my 07/28/93 handbill from the Oak Theatre.
Alas, I have no way to scan it.
It advertises the address in print as 2000 North Western Av. Phone 235-8502. Which still should have been a 312 area code back then I believe.
I recapped this particular July night in an earlier post.
One more little tidbit that only music fans may find of interest. The show that night was actually ELO Part II. A toring group comprised of some former ELO members from their heyday. But no Jeff Lynne, the creative force and founder.
On the handbill it clearly states “Electric Light Orchestra LIVE at Oak Theatre”. Similar versions of this type of advertising would years later rear their head as a legal issue facing ELO Part II.
Turns out some unscrupulous promoters would knowingly bill ELO Part II as ELO, in an effort to boost ticket sales. Then claimed a clerical errors when “brought” to their attention.
At the time original drummer & co-founder Bev Bevan retired and left ELO Part II in 1999, they were no longer legally allowed to use ELO in their name. They now tour as The Orchestra. After a very brief stint as, I kid you not: “Electric Light Orchestra Part II Former Members”. A mouthful indeed, that was apparently later also rejected by attorneys after Bevan’s departure. Still a dynamite show though with experienced, accomplished musicians.
Thanks for the pics and updates. Hopefully they will make their 2010 Anniversary target date. They need to dry it in though, roof wise. 30 years is a long span of inactivity.
I’m waiting to read how Chicago’s Uptown Theatre roof has faired.
I too was stunned when I saw that the Rowland Funeral Home had been torn down. Would have made a great museum dedicated to the history of the neighborhood, if nothing else. There used to be some in-ground, city run swimming pools just West of there. In a quadrant/mini public parks kind of street set-up. Then a new foundation for a building that seemed to never get finished was poured after that. I think there are trees where the pool was now.
There was also a spectacular, massive sized church at the very point where Broadway & Sheridan meet, North almost to Montrose. It too was torn down maybe 1992 or so. I think it was closed long before that though. Alledgedly, Un-Godly type activity had apparently been taking place in some of the church’s many exterior alcoves.
Wow! Holy House of Windsor.
This place reeks of character.
Too bad the official website doesn’t seem to be active. I’d love to know the full history.
Interesting reading. The documents are dated 2006. So obviously the HTR group was able to meet the criteria as of then. There is no news newer than Feb. of 2008 on the HTR website. But the link is active and full of other great history and info.
I read that one of the proposal’s criteria was that 51 percent of the hires for the renovation, had to be D.C residents. Though a noble move on the District’s part, such a stipulation can end up being a double edged sword. In some cases preventing willing, qualified developers who happen to be based out of town, from ever embarking on such a monumental project. Should they not be able to hire subcontractors, even local, as they see fit. I would think the District would have been eager to entertain proposals from ANY reputable developers, as long as it meant the project would come to fruition sooner rather than later.
Not sure if the District of Columbia is a right-to-work state, or if labor unions dictate what contractors are be used, etc. Those elements are certainly factored in when developers make their proposals. Who one hires should be left to the developers though. With full consideration to hire as many locals as possible. But not mandated.
Judging from the both the 2007 & vintage exterior views, it’s possible that the 1941 Streamline facade remodeling, might have ironically preserved the original facade.
Depending how drastic the construction measures were back then, to attach what appears to be just a giant concrete face over the old one.
Not sure why in 1941, that even what remodeling was done was considered Streamlining. It looks completely devoid of any theatrical character whatsoever. And the marquee looks strangley like it was held over from the original incarnation, styling wise.
Hopefully when the new renovation begins to take place, crews will gingerly remove the existing facade. And carefully enough so as to hopefully reveal the original facade still intact behind it. That would truly be returning the classic Howard Theatre to it’s roots.
The project needs an influential donor like Bill Cosby or Tyler Perry. Whose made a substantial, positive economic impact with a theatrical complex in Atlanta. Dubbed the Black Hollywood.
I’m surprised Howard University itself hasn’t adopted the cause given it’s history with the theatre. The venue/ museum concept is perfect. The developers should contact the recreators of Stax Records. Who rebuilt the current Stax museum/recording studio, originally in an old theater, from the original blueprints after their building was torn down.
Best of luck to the Howard Theatre Restoration!
Great info. I wonder what was spent in comparison, on the 1992 conversion to a live venue. Surely the land value trumped whatever was thought could be earned in any amount of time, running concerts.
That and an offer to develop the entire parcel throughout the Milwaukee Ave. side. I thought the White Castle back then was a reasonably new structure itself. There’s a modern looking condo building across on the N/W corner of Milwaukee & Armitage now too. Where Boston Store used to be I think. S/W corner is still vacant with temp fencing.
Not the New Apollo, I knew of that one too. The one I’m thinking of is a massive possibly 3 story building on a N/W corner. I’m pretty sure it was West of California though. I’ll be down there this weekend, and try to pin it down.
There was a pretty cool old hotel at California & North(S/E corner) once. Not sure if it’s still there either.
There are several ironies in the television & VCR’s having hastened the demise of movie theaters, premise.
One, that some theaters once claimed to having “had” to run porno in order to stay afloat, then closed anyway.
Two, that the porno film biz seemed to flourish from an industry in the shadows, into a multi-million dollar juggernaut. Once it came into video and now DVD itself.
Once the product could be purchased and brought into homes, and not sought out in theaters where interacting with others whether desirable or not, was a given.
The industry then got another giant boost, with the introduction of the internet. Then it’s customer base needn’t even leave their homes to buy the product.
I remember the day’s of “Caligula” creating an uproar when it was first released. And it had name stars in it. It’s probably multiplied it’s sales many times over since then. Probably to it’s own makers surprise.
Which theaters then video stores ran/carried the X version of “The Bad Lieutenant”, was the last such controversy. Upon it’s release, the popularity of owning your own copies of anything was on a fast uprise.