Skokie Theater to Become Concert Venue

posted by btkrefft on April 20, 2005 at 4:24 am

SKOKIE, IL — The Skokie Theater, which was closed in November of 2004, will be renovated for use as a concert hall, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

The former movie house, which was built in 1915 and remodeled in Art Moderne style during the 40s, was purchased last week by the Cavalcade of Music Foundation, which is based in the North Shore suburb of Kenilworth. Bob Acri, the foundation’s executive director, says the theater will be used as a showcase for jazz, classical, folk, and other musical styles (except rock).

The foundation is kicking off a fundraising campaign, and it is expected to cost between $750,000 to $1 million to renovate the Skokie. Work will include repairs to the exterior, upgrades to lighting and sound systems, conversion of the projection area to a conference room, making the building handicap accessable, and reducing seating from 314 to 161. Work could begin in a month and be completed in the fall, according to Acri.

Theaters in this post

• Skokie Theatre