Actually I believe the ultimate reason for the Granada’s demise was how valuable the land had become…especially to Loyola University. In the late 70’s, the block around the theater had some head shops and a bar (Huey’s, if I’m not mistaken) that the University wanted to see those places gone.
If you’re interested in the San Fillippo house tour, it’s part of the yearly meeting of the Midwest chapter of the Music Box Society…they usually hold that tour/meeting in May. If you have a few music boxes in your possession, it might be worth joining. It’s a fascinating group of people.
Here’s hoping the Uptown is rehabilitated to its past glory. I saw several movies and concerts there in the 60’s and 70’s and remember how it anchored the Uptown area. This gem needs to be saved.
Yes, that’s the one…an incredible place to visit. I’ve had the chance to see the collection and climb around the organ. All the instruments have been carefully restored and include the histories of each piece.
The organ room is something else…it includes a balcony with old theater seating and old lightbulbs all around that pulse to the music. Several recordings are available.
Here is page that has some info on the house: View link
The home is open to various collector groups and words can’t describe all the stuff that’s inside.
I also grew up in West Rogers Park and went to many shows at the Grenada and Nortown.
The exterior of the Grenada, or a good part of it still exists. It was incorporated into a home near Barrington. This home belong to a noted collector who has an incredible collection of old phonographs, victrolas, moviolas, music boxes, band organs and more. His living room is a full-size theater organ (many parts restored from former movie theater and radio station organs).
Unfortunately, the home isn’t open to the public, but my hopes are someday this home will become a musuem since the collection inside is one of the finest in the world.
I took some pictures of the home earlier this year and will post them if people are interested.
Greetings,
Geo,
Actually I believe the ultimate reason for the Granada’s demise was how valuable the land had become…especially to Loyola University. In the late 70’s, the block around the theater had some head shops and a bar (Huey’s, if I’m not mistaken) that the University wanted to see those places gone.
If you’re interested in the San Fillippo house tour, it’s part of the yearly meeting of the Midwest chapter of the Music Box Society…they usually hold that tour/meeting in May. If you have a few music boxes in your possession, it might be worth joining. It’s a fascinating group of people.
Here’s hoping the Uptown is rehabilitated to its past glory. I saw several movies and concerts there in the 60’s and 70’s and remember how it anchored the Uptown area. This gem needs to be saved.
Cheers…
Yes, that’s the one…an incredible place to visit. I’ve had the chance to see the collection and climb around the organ. All the instruments have been carefully restored and include the histories of each piece.
The organ room is something else…it includes a balcony with old theater seating and old lightbulbs all around that pulse to the music. Several recordings are available.
Here is page that has some info on the house: View link
The home is open to various collector groups and words can’t describe all the stuff that’s inside.
Greetings All…
I also grew up in West Rogers Park and went to many shows at the Grenada and Nortown.
The exterior of the Grenada, or a good part of it still exists. It was incorporated into a home near Barrington. This home belong to a noted collector who has an incredible collection of old phonographs, victrolas, moviolas, music boxes, band organs and more. His living room is a full-size theater organ (many parts restored from former movie theater and radio station organs).
Unfortunately, the home isn’t open to the public, but my hopes are someday this home will become a musuem since the collection inside is one of the finest in the world.
I took some pictures of the home earlier this year and will post them if people are interested.
Cheers…