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Neighborhood Theaters
Various
locations,
Chicago
Chicago was once home to an abundance of neighborhood movie theaters, only a
fraction of which still remain in operation. Some continue to function as
successful movie houses, such as the Music Box in Lakeview.
Others have been split into multiplex theaters to stay afloat. Still
others remain empty, vulnerable to replacement or in need of costly
renovations.
A few examples of these threatened theaters are: |
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Central Park Theater, 3535 W. Roosevelt
Rd.
1917; Rapp & Rapp, architects
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House of Prayer, Church of God in Christ has occupied the building since
1971. Although it is a dedicated owner, the congregation is in need of funds
for critical repairs. This is one of the oldest movie theaters in Chicago
and was operated by Balaban & Katz .
FULL SIZE
IMAGE
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Gateway Theater, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
1930; Rapp & Rapp, architects
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This 2,000-seat theater is the only remaining atmospheric theater designed
by this well-known architectural firm. Its original Art Deco exterior was
altered when the Copernicus Center purchased the property in the 1980s, but
the auditorium remains intact. The owner is considering selling the
building, which could threaten the theater’s future, given current
redevelopment pressures surrounding the Milwaukee-Lawrence commercial
district.
FULL SIZE
IMAGE |
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New Regal Theater, 1641 E. 79th St.
1927; John Eberson, architect
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Originally known as the Avalon, this building is a prime example of an
“atmospheric theater,” where the auditorium ceiling resembles a night time
sky. Done in an exotic, Moorish design, the theater was renovated in 1985
and given Chicago Landmark designation in 1992. Closed in 2003, the building
is for sale at $2.1 million.
FULL SIZE
IMAGE |
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Patio Theater, 6008 W. Irving Park Rd.
1927; Wolff and Buell, architects
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SAVED!
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The owner ceased operation of this Spanish Renaissance-style theater several
years ago. Although it was rehabbed in the 1980s, its atmospheric theater
remains intact. The size of the auditorium (1,500 seats), lack of nearby
parking, and the absence of a nearby El station makes this a difficult
theater to operate.
FULL SIZE
IMAGE
For more information, go to the
Patio Theater
Facebook page. |
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Uptown Theater, 4816 N. Broadway
1925; Rapp & Rapp, architects
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Closed in 1981, this 4,400-seat theater continues to fall victim to deferred
maintenance and repairs, ongoing ownership legal battles, and failed
attempts at redevelopment plans. It was given Chicago Landmark protection in
1991 and has been listed several times on lists of endangered historic
places published by LPCI and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
FULL SIZE
IMAGE
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