AMC Norridge 6

The Maurice Lenell outlet has closed…

I am finally commenting on my displeasure with the decision to close this theater. the Norridge in my eyes was (and to me still is) a northwest side institution. 40+ years in business for a movie theater is no small feat, especially in this day in age when movie theaters typically don’t make it to 20 years old anymore before they’re replaced with newer, bigger cinemas. As posted by many above, Norridge has been a survivor for years, and I think still has the potential to be one. Sadly, we’ll never know as yet another non descript big box store will soon take it’s place-

I see the logic of replacing the Norridge, even if I don’t agree with it. The theater is deteriorating inside and out. My fiance refuses to go to a movie there because of how dated and dirty it is on the inside. This obviously has had an effect on business. But the plain truth is IT DIDN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY! AMC with their inactivity and poor management, has let this once beautiful multiplex turn into a deteriorating relic. As Paul posted above, Kerasotes took a dated Webster Place theater and totally redid it and by all accounts, the place is jumping again. Why couldn’t AMC do this to the Norridge?! With it’s big screens, it has an experience to offer moviegoers that few of today’s multiplexes can provide!

I remember seeing Batman here in 1989. It was a matinee, but the place was packed and we got to sit in one of the big theaters with the reclining chairs. At that time 10 screens at a theater was unheard of in our area. Over the years, I have seen many a blockbuster at the Norridge and have had many great experiences. As the years progressed though, things began to look dated and almost like a time warp. The last 2 times I was there, even I had to partially agree with my fiance that they weren’t keeping things up well.

I have seen this theater through the years packed with people for the right feature, but over the years attendance has seemed to dwindle because AMC has allowed it to become an eyesore. The front and outside looks dated, the marquee looks as if it’s falling apart (and only half of it is even used anymore they strangely covered the bottom half with an ugly white board a year ago), the insides of the theaters look EXACTLY as they did when I was a kid. Why?! Doesn’t the AMC chain realize no one will come to your theater if the buzz is bad?

It’s is truly a shame a landmark theater like this has to close simply because management was too lazy to keep it clean and updated with the times. Other AMC theaters in my area like the Old Orchards and even Streets of Woodfield (though that has held up better) also look very dated when compared to some of my new favorites like Kersotes Glen 10 or Golf Mill Showplace or the Movieco in Rosemont. For their refusal to change with the times and keep once flourishing cinemas like Norridge thriving and in business, I hope Kerasotes, Movieco and all other chains draw in the customers and the customers neglect the AMC chain like AMC has neglected it’s once proud theaters! Here’s hoping the zoning does not get passed to build Cost Co, and a chain that actually cares takes this theater over! ‘Nuff said!

I have been there throughout the years and it is still a good place to see a movie. I have heard the Costco rumor for the past 2 years now. I was online trying to find out if there is a closing date. I used to work there during the early/mid 80’s. It was great working there, even if it was a teen soap opera at times! I’m going to be so sad when it closes. I have many great memories there.

The Norridge’s days are numbered; currently it’s pegged at a year. Chicago Sun-Times

LTS,

You are probably right because the Melrose Park is actually quite a distance from the Norridge. If anything, the Muvico in Rosemont would be the one that robs this theatre of attendance.

There may be even fewer traces of M&R soon. I was at a party Saturday Night and a man who is a Norridge police officer said that plans are definitely afoot to replace the Norridge with a Costco. He said that the Cinemark in Melrose Park took away a lot of business.

He did mention, however, that there may be plans to build a new theatre in the area of the Harlem-Irving Plaza (HIP).

The white (or is it grey) trim certainly looks austere! Like when the CTA simply whitewashes its older stations! I miss the green trim that used to be on the building. It provided some contrast.

We must get in there to take photos of every last detail. Those sloped roofed houses always make me giddy.

I certainly don’t want to spread rumors, but I heard that Costco is looking at building a big box store on this site. Just what Norridge, IL needs! But I believe that the Norridge Theatre still draws good crowds. The place should be renovated ala what is being done with the Webster Place—another former M&R Theatre.

Question :

Does any on recall any other theatres along Harlem Ave.
In Norridge i rember going to see “MI VIDA LOCA” back in the 90`s with some friends and the only place showing theis flim was a small place on North Harlem Ave. it was small only one screen the best example i can give would be the LaGrange Theatre in LaGrange Illinois. I was in Norrige a few days ago and i could not find the theatre i think it was before the intersection of North Harlem And Irvin Park Road .

I also recall that once you bought the pop and popcorn (i just love this this part) FREE REFILLS!!!!

Thank You for you time .
I hope some one can help with this . :)

Has anyone heard anything about whether this theater is closing or not? I drove by it the other day and saw half the marquee was ripped down. Could be a bad sign. I hope it doesn’t close, it’s one of the few remaining places I went to as a kid.

I go to the Hub/Riverview/Axle reunions at the Orbit in October, they’ve been doing it for over 12 years. Rollerskating is alive and well, check out Orbit’s website.

We love the Catlow Theatre in Barrington. Does the York theatre still have the organ that comes up out of the floor?

Typo: Should be “grade-school”, not “grade-schoo”!