At the theater’s opening, some unique features included two self-serve bulk candy and bagged popcorn aisles, a HVAC system that operated based upon number of tickets sold for a given screen, partial stadium seating, love seats in the back row, Pizzeria Uno pizza, and French Quarter Coffee. An infomercial for WBBM-TV was shot here for the weeks following its opening.
It was actually built cooperatively by Loews and Kerasotes and was initially announced as a 16-screen in March 1994. This followed an October 1993 plan by Kerasotes for a 12-screen that was altered after Loews agreed to purchase adjacent land and expand the complex. The 12-screen plan called for theaters ranging from 161-393 seats. By November the screen count had settled at 14. It was also unique in that it wasn’t part of a mall.
The South Barrington plan was not announced until June 1996.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
Also, a March 20, 1936 Tribune article states that the assistant manager, Iving Fehlburg, was murdered by patron Peter Krisoulas in the theater office. Krisoulas feared that Fehlburg would have him arrested for molesting a girl in the theater.
I believe my guess from April 2006 is actually correct as the Archer was built well before 1925. Likely the Midwest was originally supposed to replace the Archer for Schoenstadt, which would explain why it would be the New Archer. The plan probably changed when they decided to retain the Archer.
The office building is in fact receiving what, from what I can see from the el, is an accurate replica of the cornice. Although it seems to be copper and I had assumed the original was terra cotta. So far, they’re really doing a phenomenal job of facade restoration.
The January 1936 Architectural Forum confirms Perry as architect, he presumably was part of holabird & roche. the 1950s remodel must have been rapp. I have copies of this article with nice photos if you email me.
I would definitely put my money on the Lincoln Village in the Village Deadpool. Why? Because the parking lot that served the theater has now been closed off and put up for lease by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. As a result, Village is instructing patrons to park across the street at Home Depot, as cars parking in the adjacent shopping centers would result in towing. I’m sure the fact that they’ve lost their parking lot is just that darned rotten luck that seems to befall Village rather than any poor management or business relations.
This does seem like a particularly snazzy C-O theater though. Aside from the cool fact that it’s two stories, and the unusual ziggurat exterior appearance, the auditoria have a neat little curve toward the screen like an older theater would, and they seem to all have waterfall curtains that are no longer used. It looks like things haven’t changed a bit from the Cineplex days… it’s neat to see them around still. To Village’s credit, the place seemed pretty clean, seats were more or less decent still, and projection and sound were good. The escalator doesn’t seem to still be used though.
HAARGIS has a brief profile including two pictures. The photos will enlarge if you drag them into a browser window. I sort of like the Avalon marquee better… the Regal one is a little understated.
Well, it appears to be poised for another opening, and that’s what they’re calling it this time around. Avalon never made much sense anyway – a name left over from an earlier English-inspired Eberson design- and Regal is what the marquee has said since 1987. It’s supposed to open around October. Operating as a not-for-profit. Exciting! http://www.chicagoregal.com/
At the theater’s opening, some unique features included two self-serve bulk candy and bagged popcorn aisles, a HVAC system that operated based upon number of tickets sold for a given screen, partial stadium seating, love seats in the back row, Pizzeria Uno pizza, and French Quarter Coffee. An infomercial for WBBM-TV was shot here for the weeks following its opening.
It opened at 10 screens and 4 were added after 1996
It was at 14 screens in 1996 and six more were subsequently added
Before the theater even opened, Marcus had planned to add 4 more screens.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
It was actually built cooperatively by Loews and Kerasotes and was initially announced as a 16-screen in March 1994. This followed an October 1993 plan by Kerasotes for a 12-screen that was altered after Loews agreed to purchase adjacent land and expand the complex. The 12-screen plan called for theaters ranging from 161-393 seats. By November the screen count had settled at 14. It was also unique in that it wasn’t part of a mall.
The South Barrington plan was not announced until June 1996.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
The earliest references I can find to the Archer in the Tribune are in January 1914. I do see a Grand Theater at 35th and Archer in 1912.
Also, a March 20, 1936 Tribune article states that the assistant manager, Iving Fehlburg, was murdered by patron Peter Krisoulas in the theater office. Krisoulas feared that Fehlburg would have him arrested for molesting a girl in the theater.
I believe my guess from April 2006 is actually correct as the Archer was built well before 1925. Likely the Midwest was originally supposed to replace the Archer for Schoenstadt, which would explain why it would be the New Archer. The plan probably changed when they decided to retain the Archer.
The office building is in fact receiving what, from what I can see from the el, is an accurate replica of the cornice. Although it seems to be copper and I had assumed the original was terra cotta. So far, they’re really doing a phenomenal job of facade restoration.
It did open at the Esquire. Not sure whether it was 70 or not.
How was it altered for the later incarnations of the theater?
I now have high-quality exteriors from the 1930s including a photo of ‘before’. They are on the link immediately above. wow!
The January 1936 Architectural Forum confirms Perry as architect, he presumably was part of holabird & roche. the 1950s remodel must have been rapp. I have copies of this article with nice photos if you email me.
No, it was restored under Ray Shepardson. The Cadillac Palace was under Dan Coffey.
The Lakeshore has recently changed their marquee to a funky red-and black
Yes.
Wow, that floor is really sloped.
The Randhurst is doomed, after only 10 years. It will be replaced by an 18-screener. Why?
View link
Demolition began last week
That’s right, there’s an apartment building there now.
I would definitely put my money on the Lincoln Village in the Village Deadpool. Why? Because the parking lot that served the theater has now been closed off and put up for lease by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. As a result, Village is instructing patrons to park across the street at Home Depot, as cars parking in the adjacent shopping centers would result in towing. I’m sure the fact that they’ve lost their parking lot is just that darned rotten luck that seems to befall Village rather than any poor management or business relations.
This does seem like a particularly snazzy C-O theater though. Aside from the cool fact that it’s two stories, and the unusual ziggurat exterior appearance, the auditoria have a neat little curve toward the screen like an older theater would, and they seem to all have waterfall curtains that are no longer used. It looks like things haven’t changed a bit from the Cineplex days… it’s neat to see them around still. To Village’s credit, the place seemed pretty clean, seats were more or less decent still, and projection and sound were good. The escalator doesn’t seem to still be used though.
Now that I think about it, I suppose the Avalon name was more about following the Avalon Park neighborhood.
HAARGIS has a brief profile including two pictures. The photos will enlarge if you drag them into a browser window. I sort of like the Avalon marquee better… the Regal one is a little understated.
Well, it appears to be poised for another opening, and that’s what they’re calling it this time around. Avalon never made much sense anyway – a name left over from an earlier English-inspired Eberson design- and Regal is what the marquee has said since 1987. It’s supposed to open around October. Operating as a not-for-profit. Exciting! http://www.chicagoregal.com/