I don’t want to be a killjoy. But I’m not sure how much money is left in exhibition of foreign films. I’m sure DVDs, internet access, etc. have taken a bite out of that business as compared to what it was twenty years ago. There is definitely a solution, I’m just not sure what it is. Whatever the case I think the recent renovation means that the theatre is safe for a while.
Generally speaking I think the City of Evanston has acted foolishly. They believed they could build thousands of condo units and reap huge tax revenues. To hell with business and industry. Now, several years on, quite a few interesting buildings have been demolished and there are many, many, many vacant units out there. The Evanston Theatre isn’t the only blight. Main St. & Chicago Ave. is another good example. Or how about the post-apocolyptic scene which faces Ridge Ave. just south of Emerson?
Maybe there is some business logic here that I am missing. But as of right now the whole thing just seems stupid.
I wonder if the postcard view at top was an architect’s rendition made during the planning stages. The decor shown in your image looks original but is drastically different.
I was in the original Randhurst Cinemas in the late 80’s a couple of times. I remember the lobby as being pleasant and bright, a design something like the Old Orchard or Golf Mill. The theatres were unremarkable but had decent proportions/sightlines and good sound for the time. The whole place was kept clean. It’s a shame that it came down. But a building like that probably couldn’t profit today without a lot of effort.
I remeber seeing something here. I think it was either Rambo or the Right Stuff, neither of which strike me as beeing art house offerings. Every time I drive by on Palatine Highway I look down at the building where the theatre was and try to remember exactly what movie I saw all those years back.
Somebody got inside the Rialto’s auditorium with a camera. I can’t quite tell if the original ceiling has been destroyed because the photos are so dark. To my eye it looks like a drop ceiling was installed, and that is what was ripped out:
Wow, very nice.
Excellent photo composition.
Wow, this is a new one on me.
Really nice exterior design. Definitley above-average.
I don’t want to be a killjoy. But I’m not sure how much money is left in exhibition of foreign films. I’m sure DVDs, internet access, etc. have taken a bite out of that business as compared to what it was twenty years ago. There is definitely a solution, I’m just not sure what it is. Whatever the case I think the recent renovation means that the theatre is safe for a while.
Sweet photo:
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I miss the place after seeing this.
Generally speaking I think the City of Evanston has acted foolishly. They believed they could build thousands of condo units and reap huge tax revenues. To hell with business and industry. Now, several years on, quite a few interesting buildings have been demolished and there are many, many, many vacant units out there. The Evanston Theatre isn’t the only blight. Main St. & Chicago Ave. is another good example. Or how about the post-apocolyptic scene which faces Ridge Ave. just south of Emerson?
Maybe there is some business logic here that I am missing. But as of right now the whole thing just seems stupid.
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Not sure why these Russell Phillips links seem to shift all the time:
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Is that to say Ron Rooding is breeding horses?
The Village North sign has been demolished. There is a vinyl banner hanging above the doors now that says something like:
“coming soon, the NEW 400 THEATRE”
Saw this on my way down Sheridan last night. The power is on in the lobby, also a good sign.
No surprise on the foreclosure.
Pretty sure this has not been posted. No offense if it has:
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In either case it is a cool image.
That is a really nice job. Compared to some other renovation projects done in movie palaces during the 50’s this one is very respectful.
When did that happen?
I wonder if the postcard view at top was an architect’s rendition made during the planning stages. The decor shown in your image looks original but is drastically different.
1983:
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Doorway and aluminum ladder are a nice touch.
Very nice photo: well-balanced and moody. Really shows off the digninty of the place.
I was in the original Randhurst Cinemas in the late 80’s a couple of times. I remember the lobby as being pleasant and bright, a design something like the Old Orchard or Golf Mill. The theatres were unremarkable but had decent proportions/sightlines and good sound for the time. The whole place was kept clean. It’s a shame that it came down. But a building like that probably couldn’t profit today without a lot of effort.
I remeber seeing something here. I think it was either Rambo or the Right Stuff, neither of which strike me as beeing art house offerings. Every time I drive by on Palatine Highway I look down at the building where the theatre was and try to remember exactly what movie I saw all those years back.
Those are pretty neat. The box office being dropped in the middle of the orchestra section is a unique touch:
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The Globe auditorium doesn’t look too shabby:
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About seven or eight pictures here. Use the index to view the rest.
Somebody is a fan of the Tower Theatre. Here is one example:
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There are about twenty excellent images in all. Use the index to view the rest.
Somebody got inside the Rialto’s auditorium with a camera. I can’t quite tell if the original ceiling has been destroyed because the photos are so dark. To my eye it looks like a drop ceiling was installed, and that is what was ripped out:
View link
There are about ten photos here. Use the index to view the rest.
1983 photo:
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Thanks for answering my question. Sounds like it was probably a necessary sacrifice.
Doesn’t the entryway from Washington Street run the length of the building and open onto a parallel street?