State Theatre
5814 W. Madison Street,
Chicago,
IL
60644
5814 W. Madison Street,
Chicago,
IL
60644
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Balaban & Katz Corp., Lubliner & Trinz, Publix Theaters Corporation
Architects: Edward P. Steinberg
Styles: Baroque, Renaissance Revival
Nearby Theaters
The State Theatre was one of the largest and most impressive-looking of the numerous theatres in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, on the city’s westernmost border. Its architect was Edward Steinberg, who is noted for his Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, as well as the Belpark Theatre on the Northwest side of Chicago, which is now a banquet hall.
Opened on October 31, 1925 with Bessie Love in “New Booms”. The State Theatre was operated by the Lubliner & Trinz circuit. One of the most notable features of its Baroque façade was a miniature version of the arched window of Rapp & Rapp’s Chicago Theatre, by which his design of the State Theatre Steinberg was clearly inspired by. The State Theatre was equipped with an organ which was opened by organist Don George.
Acquired by Balaban & Katz in the early-1930’s, the State Theatre continued to operate at least into the 1970’s before it was closed.
Though vacant for decades, it was still very much an Austin landmark. In fact, the theatre (and adjoining building) were listed by the city as an “historically significant” structure, but regardless of this, the State Theatre was unfortunately demolished in 1995.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
I’m going purely from memory on this, but there’s a fine B&W pic of the State, c. Dec. 1936, in the current issue – Spring 2007 – of “First & Fastest.” (Am unable to reproduce it here as I lack the technical equipment, but perhaps another traction/movie fan can.)
The exact date for the State Theatre photo mentioned in the post above is Dec. 5, 1936. (It appears on p. 18 of “F&F” magazine.)
NEWS ITEM:
Chicago Daily News, Wednesday, June 5, 1940, p. 23, c. 7—-
COMPLETE ‘GWTW’ FOR NEIGHBORHOODS
The most-talked-of picture ever filmed, “Gone With The Wind,” begins its one week only engagement in the neighborhoods on Friday, June 7, when Balaban & Katz books the technicolor classic into the Tower Theater, 63rd street and Blackstone; the State Theater, 5814 West Madison street, and the Riviera Theater, Broadway at Lawrence.
It will be presented complete and intact, as it is being shown in the Loop.
Reserved seats for the engagements are on sale at special box-offices in each theater and mail orders are being given prompt attention. Seats are reserved for the evening performances which start at 8 pm and for the Sunday matinee, which will begin at 2 pm.
Week day matinees will be continuous from 10 am. Patrons may come as late as 2 pm and see a complete matinee performance.
The State theatre was operating at least through early July 1978- although it probably closed and re-opened once or twice during the 1970s with new owners/ operators. From the Chicago Sun Times movie listings on Saturday, July 1, 1978: STATE 5814 W. Madison St. 261-0962—Open 1:00 “YOUNGBLOOD” “THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN”.
Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/dz9seh
Would be amazing if there were more exterior photos from the sixties and earlier – plus interiors. Sad that there is so little information available about this fantastic old theater.
I believe it was a church for a time in the 1980’s.
Just ran across a link that says the State’s organ was later move to the Trianon Ballroom at 6201 Cottage Grove.
A great movie house. Not as grand as the Marbro down the street. When the Marbro closed the marquee read visit the B&K State. There is a picture of that sign somewhere. Quite a number of stabbings forced the theatre to close for a time in the late 60’s & 70’s. No theatre can operate under those conditions.
This opened on October 31st, 1925 by Lubliner & Trinz. Grand opening ad posted.