When first announced, December 21, 1923, the facade was nearly identical to the original ‘Alamo’ mission one at the York, which was built around the same time by the same architect and client. This must have been changed during construction. Grand opening was November 15, 1924. The interior was of “French design”, with interior decorating carried out by John Paulding of Park Ridge, who hired McPherson Decorating Company of Evanston. It was topped by a large silver-leafed dome with recessed three-color lighting. It also had a Gottfried organ.
Chicago Tribune, November 26, 1961: “[Golf Mill Theater] will be the first theater in the Chicagoland area to be located in a shopping center”. Remember, the Old Orchard was across the street from the shopping center. And the Park Forest/Holiday could be argued as being part of a shopping center, although not as commonly thought of.
Donzell and Alisa Starks stated at the time that they sought to serve under-served audiences like the African-American community. They had started Inner City Entertainment in 1992, opening three multiplexes managed by Cineplex Odeon in 1996-1997, all of which still operate. They were then seeking to open sites in Gary, Charlotte, and Baltimore. When Loews and Cineplex merged, they were required to divest 11 theaters in the Chicago region. Since Meridian was not only operating in inner city neighborhoods, a new name was appropriate, implying an appeal across communities. Their prior working relationship with Cineplex contributed to their ability to acquire the theaters, and their VP of Operations was in fact the former VP of Operations for C-O’s northern and eastern divisions. In 1999, Meridian was still seeking to expand to sites in Willowbrook, Gary, and Atlanta. They were held up as the “poster couple” for minority-owned businesses by Mayor Daley, literally appearing in a publicity campaign for the Catholic school system, during which time the business fell apart.
Meridian’s eight were, in reverse order of closure and blocked to indicate simultaneous closings, Hyde Park, [burnham Plaza, Old Orchard, Water Tower (downstairs), Biograph], Bricktown Square, [broadway (Lakeshore), Water Tower (upstairs)]. I’m not sure what the eighth one was, unless they were counting the two Water Tower parts seperately.
Declining revenue and increased competition from newer multiplexes was cited as the reason. It was also being sued by at least six parties for back taxes, fees, and rent. As far as I know, the Starks family still owns theaters under the Inner City Entertainment banner, and probably the Jeffery Plaza shopping center too.
This link gives some excellent background, but will likely expire soon.
When first announced, December 21, 1923, the facade was nearly identical to the original ‘Alamo’ mission one at the York, which was built around the same time by the same architect and client. This must have been changed during construction. Grand opening was November 15, 1924. The interior was of “French design”, with interior decorating carried out by John Paulding of Park Ridge, who hired McPherson Decorating Company of Evanston. It was topped by a large silver-leafed dome with recessed three-color lighting. It also had a Gottfried organ.
http://www.nearwestgazette.com/update0407.htm
View link
View link
Here is a photo of the new drake
View link The aforementioned garage is visible in this picture.
Chicago Tribune, November 26, 1961: “[Golf Mill Theater] will be the first theater in the Chicagoland area to be located in a shopping center”. Remember, the Old Orchard was across the street from the shopping center. And the Park Forest/Holiday could be argued as being part of a shopping center, although not as commonly thought of.
The Holiday originally opened for the H&E Balaban chain. The balcony was called the Terrace and had reserved seating for some reason.
Marcus took over operations in 2002; ICE has always owned the theaters.
Here is an article mentioning issues with 600 North.
Here’s one on the financials.
Here is more general background.
Meridian operated from May 1999-January 2001.
Donzell and Alisa Starks stated at the time that they sought to serve under-served audiences like the African-American community. They had started Inner City Entertainment in 1992, opening three multiplexes managed by Cineplex Odeon in 1996-1997, all of which still operate. They were then seeking to open sites in Gary, Charlotte, and Baltimore. When Loews and Cineplex merged, they were required to divest 11 theaters in the Chicago region. Since Meridian was not only operating in inner city neighborhoods, a new name was appropriate, implying an appeal across communities. Their prior working relationship with Cineplex contributed to their ability to acquire the theaters, and their VP of Operations was in fact the former VP of Operations for C-O’s northern and eastern divisions. In 1999, Meridian was still seeking to expand to sites in Willowbrook, Gary, and Atlanta. They were held up as the “poster couple” for minority-owned businesses by Mayor Daley, literally appearing in a publicity campaign for the Catholic school system, during which time the business fell apart.
Meridian’s eight were, in reverse order of closure and blocked to indicate simultaneous closings, Hyde Park, [burnham Plaza, Old Orchard, Water Tower (downstairs), Biograph], Bricktown Square, [broadway (Lakeshore), Water Tower (upstairs)]. I’m not sure what the eighth one was, unless they were counting the two Water Tower parts seperately.
Declining revenue and increased competition from newer multiplexes was cited as the reason. It was also being sued by at least six parties for back taxes, fees, and rent. As far as I know, the Starks family still owns theaters under the Inner City Entertainment banner, and probably the Jeffery Plaza shopping center too.
This link gives some excellent background, but will likely expire soon.
I’m told the bar that currently occupies the space has a great genuine deco interior.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre. As I said, the status of this theatre should be changed to closed, function as community center/church.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Here are photos of this theatre.
Architects were Grossman & Proskauer.
That brings to mind this Tribune article from September 2006, about the Loop potentially running out of good theater space later this year.