Lincoln-Belmont Theatre
3162 N. Lincoln Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60657
3162 N. Lincoln Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60657
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Orpheum Circuit
Architects: Robert C. Berlin
Functions: Housing
Styles: Neo-Classical, Oriental, Renaissance Revival
Previous Names: Lincoln Theatre, Lincoln-Hippodrome Theatre
Nearby Theaters
Before the nearly 3,300-seat Belmont Theatre opened in 1925, the Lincoln Theatre was the largest and most popular of the Lincoln-Belmont neighborhood’s entertainment venues.
It was built in 1912, and designed by local architect Robert C. Berlin, seating 1,850, at the time one of the largest theatres on Chicago’s North Side. The Lincoln Theatre was built for W. A. Wieboldt, founder of the department store chain bearing his name that were once scattered all over Chicago, and cost around $300,000 to construct.
While the exterior was a mixture of Neo-Classical and Renaissance styles, the interior was originally described as “Persian” and “Oriental” in design.
The Lincoln Theatre was one of the earliest larger-sized theaters in Chicago to be air-conditioned, and was noted for its excellent acoustics, then-cutting-edge technology, and stylish decor.
For most of the 1910’s and 1920’s, the Lincoln-Hippodrome Theatre was part of the Orpheum Circuit, and primarily was a vaudeville house (though from its earliest days screened movies as well). It was still operated by the Orpheum Circuit in 1926. It wasn’t until later in the 1920’s and 1930’s that the Lincoln Theatre turned to movies exclusively.
In 1930, when Ashland Avenue was widened, the theatre lost a small portion of its auditorium, reducing seating by about 300.
The Lincoln Theatre, also known as the Lincoln-Belmont Theatre, remained in operation until about 1950. In 1952, the theatre was gutted and transformed into a retail store.
Like its neighbor, the Belmont Theatre, the actual theatre portion of the Lincoln Theatre has been demolished, replaced by condominiums in 2000, but, also like the Belmont Theatre, portions of the old theatre have been incorporated into the new condominium building.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
Was it totally gutted in 1952? I thought I heard some guys talking about this building in the 90’s as if some of the theatre existed above the whatever store was there at that point, like the Varsity in Evanston.
The article I read noted that “only the outer walls and supporting columns were left standing” but also that “a second ceiling topping the store’s main and mezzanine floors was suspended by steel hangers from the theater’s old ceiling, leaving a 40 foot empty space between the two ceilings”. So probably yes, the original ceiling likely remained and I imagine that the mezzanine level of the store was the old upper lobby. I know that large amounts of the old Belmont theater were discovered intact behind the bowling renovation when that was demolished in the 90s, too.
Yes, much remained of the Belmont lobby and auditorium. I am guessing the non-public areas as well. It had been chopped up for various uses over the years of course. The Belmont facade looks good, but it is a shame they couldn’t have reused some of the interior.
Here are photos of this theater.
You can see the gargoyles that held up the marquee on the Lincoln Ave side.
I drove by the Lincoln-Belmont Theatre building today. On the Ashland Ave. side there is scaffolding spanning most of the elevation. Must be maintainence or brick work or something. The balconies are unique on the Ashland Ave. elevation, as they are actually recessed into the building. In between columns so they do not hang over the sidewalk. They hang over their own property. Essentially protected from downward elements. This also could have once saved money for developers. As the city’s “air rights” over the sidewalk may have been averted.
The Lincoln Ave. elevation has long had a “Lincoln Theatre Lofts” for sale or rent sign attached to it. There was also a Walgreen’s tucked inside on the Lincoln Ave. side, in late 1989.
For the record, and unrelated to Lincoln Theatre, the City of Chicago has had a “Critical Inspection” mandate since about the year 2000. When terra cotta started falling off of a major building downtown, and they apparently had to chase down the owners.
Essentially this then meant any building over aprox. 80 feet, must undergo a costly, independent critical inspection of/on it’s facade. The cost of this inspection & the firms that do it, are on the backs of any given condo associations for the residential ones. Potentially financially crippling to some smaller buildings with fewer units, but yet tall enough to qualify.
Part of this inspection apparently includes randomly drilling into brickwork. One would think the inspection itself would undermine structural integrity. But then again how else is it gonna get done.
I’m sure the city is just being thorough.
I always wondered why the Lincoln-Belmont Theatre was called that, and not the Lincoln-Ashland Theatre.
Cause technically only the North triangular point of the building, faces Belmont. Where as the building is actually ON the other two streets.
With even a small traffic island in between the Northbound point & Belmont, the building is clearly not on Belmont. But Belmont Ave. has the elevated CTA train station, so that could be why.
http://chicagopast.com/post/39056373405
Here is a THSA photo.
Is there a current link for the THSA/Explore Chicago photo? I posted the Chicago Past photo in case that 2012 link goes dead. Also two photos from Lake View Historical, used on their book “Images of America ” Lake View cover.
“The new Lincoln Theatre, located at Lincoln and Belmont Avenues, is by far the finest house in the outlying district of Chicago. There are even some big loop theatres that can not compare. The house is undoubtedly the most modern and carefully constructed in the city. A wonderful ventilating system brings the house to the top of the ladder where the comfort of patrons is concerned. The stage is also one of the largest and best equipped in Chicago, there being no known vaudeville act too large nor elaborate for production on it. The house has been opened about two and a half months and has been a great financial success from the opening night. It la the largest family theatre in the city and plays only the highest class of refined vaudeville.” -https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1912-03-23_24_12/page/18/mode/1up?view=theater
It was managed by Anderson & Price initially and booked with WVMA vaudeville.