South Town Theatre
1106 S. Grand Avenue East,
Springfield,
IL
62703
1106 S. Grand Avenue East,
Springfield,
IL
62703
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Frisina Amusement Company
Architects: Carl T. Meyer
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Empress Theatre
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Feb 20, 2007 — Southtown facade restoration
Opened as the Empress Theatre February 7, 1915, and renamed the South Town Theatre July 15, 1937 after it was remodelled in an Art Deco style. Reopening movies were Barbara Stanwyck in “Banjo on My Knee” & 3 Stooges in “Back to the Woods”. It was operated by the Frisina Amusement Company chain. The South Town Theatre closed in 1959 as a movie house.
It, however, was wonderfully maintained, and its gorgeous Streamline Moderne marquee, which still says “South Town”, advertised the stained glass studio which was housed inside. They have since moved out of the building and it satnds vacant in 2025.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 16 comments)
Many years ago I was in Springfield Illinois, but at the time I wasn’t interested in old theatres so missed seeing this one.
Yes, it is too bad that it is no longer a theater, but it is nice to see that the owners of the stained glass business have chosen to restore the marquee and incorporate it into their business!
I would like to thank Lost Memory for posting the photos of the Southtown Theater. This is something I should have been doing but just don’t have the time, yet. The restoration is finished and it looks great. If you happen to visit Springfield, Illinois look us up and see the marquee lit up. It is on from dark to 1 AM everyday. If anyone is interested in owning this building email me.
marquee relighting 2007
View link
Here is an item from Boxoffice magazine, October 1947:
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.-The Springfield-Frisina Theater Co. has purchased the Southtown Theater building from the Springfield Marine Bank for $35,000. The Frisina Amusement Co. has been operating the Southtown, a 300-seater, in conjunction with Leo Burnstine for a number of years. Mrs. Harry Burnstine manages the theater.
Very nice job of restoring the marquee and front of building.
I just edited and posted a number of photos of the Southtown Theater from a trip last year. Here’s one; there are more on my Flickr page if you’re interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stormdog42/11508097865/
February 7th, 1915 grand opening ad as Empress in photo section. It opened on the 8th.
July 15th, 1937 grand opening ad as South Town in photo section.
This building is vacant (see my recent photos). Most of the buildings in this block are empty.