I drove by this address today. It appears to be rather large, older brick structure, that had a newer facade was put onto it. So possibly the original theatre building is what was converted. The entire first floor retail space is home to Sussex-Realty.
There are a couple floors of apartments above that. I’ll inquire at Sussex if it is the original building.
Since it is even numbered, it is on the North side of Roscoe.
Those LIFE pictures sure are amazing.
Talk about “safety first”, how about that band riding on a fork lift.
Also could the John Derek in the last one later be the actress Bo’s husband? I knew he was quite older than she.
But 1951 to `81 when she was a houshold name, seems quite the age difference.
FYI, Just a further tidbit about Claudia Cassidy, originally posted by BWChicago & SPearce in February of `08.
There is a theatre bearing her name, the Claudia Cassidy Theatre, located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 East Washington. It is located next the GAR Rotunda & GAR Hall on the Randolph St. side. I’m sure the history can be easily accessed by visiting www.chicagoculturalcenter.org
It reads as if the owner did everything right. You’d think the local taxing body would recognize the theatre’s value to the neighborhood, and help to make the inevitable tax break retroactive or something.
Or spreading the present difference across the next several years or so.
It’s not like other business owners would cry fowl.
Even a business that owns multiple companies isn’t prepared for a $25K hit. The accountants should have caught the Mills Act criteria and planned accordingly.
Ironically the future tax benefit is now a selling feature.
My brother reminded me yesterday that next to the Aardvark Theatre inside of Piper’s Alley, was a place called Charley’s General Store. It might have been bi-level inside.
It started out as a kind of kitchy, country-like antique store of sorts, but ultimately became a bit of a head shop itself. Probably because the existing head shop in Piper’s Alley was seeing all the business.
The Earl of Old Town I mentioned earlier is where Corcoran’s is located now. After a brief run in the `90’s when it was known as The Last Act.
A name chosen likely to tie itself to the Second City across the street.
And maybe in honor of Belushi and all who frequented it after work.
As the Earl, it was famous for having such folk stars as Bonnie Kolac etc. during it’s heydey in the `60’s.
Wow, what a saga. I’m all for any added safety improvements. But for the city government to mandate something so costly, without a plan to help pay for it on a place that should be grandfathered in anyway, is shameful.
My guess is that the city silently was also against the concert venue idea as well. The Coronet Theatre in Evanston Illinois suffered a similar fate over that. An initial liquor license stipulated that it could only be served in the lobby, not the auditorium. Spotters were dispatched to witness any “rule breaking”.
It eventually became such a headache to continue to build a business that was ironically a potential boon to the area, that they just threw in the towel. It was torn down and became condos & retail space.
My thoughts and hopes are with the Ioka.
Hope your film turns out well. Be sure to include the former pool area.
P.S. The Chrysler pictured is a 1956.
Chrysler designer Virgil Exner’s first year with a tail fin. Which would go crazy the following year.
Yeah, those letters truly are cool. I’d forgotten until I saw the Woods page that some theatre’s had those. I think the State-Lake did too.
Must have been pretty labor intensive to change them all out as the movies changed. Maybe why they replaced them all the the blank white marquee’s withe the hanging letters.
I couldn’t re-find the NY theatre where the relevance of posting old theatre phone numbers was questioned.
I for one relish the little tidbits of information like that. As much as the various organ makes, year of installation, etc.
In Chicago, the phone numbers used to sometimes corrolate to the neighborhoods. Mohawk4-2700, etc.
Seeing those style numbers for instance sparked my memory that Chicago’s Esquire was once Whitehall7-1111. One famous local defunct carpet company was Bouchelle. Who’s number Hudson3-2700 was sung in commercials by a booming bass voice that went so low on the 700 part, it was copied for years.
I guess my point is that seeing those old numbers posted for any theatre, might wake up memories in some that could end up being relevant to other theatres, and so on. Especially when it comes to the surrounding neighborhood of the theatre’s in their past.
In defense of the Rush Street area, not all was “seedy”. Notorious for a constant “Night Life” might be a better characterization.
Rush Street was actually an eclectic night life mix, with the seedy being an accepted part of it. As open and accepted as say in the tourist parts of New Orleans.
In the 60's &70’s a block South of the Carnegie was Punchinello’s, Figaro’s & the Athenian Room restaurant which became Faces Disco. Tavern’s and restaurant’s that were main streamish.
But right next door was the Cabaret & Bourbon Street, which featured female dancers. The seedy was like an either/or choice for night time visitors. What made the specific strip joint’s seem seedy from the outside was basically the hawkers out front.
(Inside of course was sometimes a different story, depending which one you entered.)
A block further South beyond the Maryland Hotel which was quite nice, was another cluster of actual strip joints. The Candy Store, etc. But next to that was La Margarita. An established Mexican restaurant with several locations. Art galleries, jewelers, shops and other “upscale eclectic eating establishments”, rounded out the rest of Rush Street even back then.
So really it was a neighborhood, that took on a lively, different persona after dark. The Carnegie & Esquire were both a part of it.
Just caught DavidH’s December 07 post about the Sonja Heine montage of skating films being run at the Carnegie.
This is entirely plausible. Another famous olympian skater also lived a block away from the Carnegie. She may have been instrumental in arranging the series. We met her more than 10 years ago with some out of town guest from her native country.
In talking with her we learned she'd likely lived on the same block when we did in the60’s.
As all the previous posts indicate, the Carnegie was truly great at promotions and fanfare.
Thanks. I originally inquired on this page just because both are situated in New York.
I guess it’s sheer coincidence that the Loew’s was built by the father of he who built Hammerstein’s Theatre to honor him. The latter now being the Ed Sullivan Theatre.
Also a coincidence that both theatre’s failed under the family ownership not long after opening. The second due to the depression.
They were apparently mere blocks away from each other geographically.
1516 for Loew’s, versus 1697 for Hammerstein’s.
Thanks for the info & link.
What was the original name of what is now The Ed Sullivan Theatre where Letterman tapes out of?
Was it ever a movie theatre, and how is it listed on CT? Thanks.
I wonder if they still owned the land after selling the theatre in 47. Another piece of property they didn't have to pay taxes on. I think it was the Evanston Mayor or someone in85 who suggested NU could pay $5 per student/per semester tax or so to pick up the slack that was begining to burden Evanston homeowners. It never happened.
Ah, BERLITZ. I did recall it right on 8/22. I remember often seeing their bright, vertical neon from the “L” in the `70’s. Ironic that it went from being a bar to a clinic.
I just remembered why I was over by The Alameda for extended periods of time `91. I helped a friend rebuild some of the neon at the Rainbo Room.
Added some vandal proofing as well.
We parked the van by the Alameda often.
Those multiple 2x4 props under the marquee were scar-y.
Yes, you got me, I do agree. I guess the State St. elevation just turned my stomach so bad, that I wanted to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Even the shorter building next door to the North is a basically a prop front.
Illuminated window boxes where Dr. Wax Records or whatever used to be.
Thanks for educating me on some of landmark status' angles. What I heard on CVS was they were fully expecting a new structure at first. Then the powers that be informed the building’s actual owner (CVS is a tenant), that the building must remain. CVS then reluctantly agreed to the conversion.
They should have just gone over to the 17 year vacant-S/E corner, which already looked like a drug store. Now a Bank of America.
The heights of the old Hotsie and apartment building to the East consequently had to be rebuilt as was by CVS.
Hence the differing heights.
The Congress has hope, but is in bad need of some cosmetic TLC.
I understand why they removed the seats, but it cost them the “new” roller derby in the process.
The biggest, costliest thing about these old palaces, is heating them in the winter. And keeping a roof and the brickwork watertight.
I drove by this address today. It appears to be rather large, older brick structure, that had a newer facade was put onto it. So possibly the original theatre building is what was converted. The entire first floor retail space is home to Sussex-Realty.
There are a couple floors of apartments above that. I’ll inquire at Sussex if it is the original building.
Since it is even numbered, it is on the North side of Roscoe.
Maybe Mr. Rothacker the artist can make it out to the Ioka or Crest Theatres listed on Cinema Treasures.
One small and one big in need of some saving.
Owning a casino & the Cubs?..seems fitting. Great update. Thanks Bryan!
Those LIFE pictures sure are amazing.
Talk about “safety first”, how about that band riding on a fork lift.
Also could the John Derek in the last one later be the actress Bo’s husband? I knew he was quite older than she.
But 1951 to `81 when she was a houshold name, seems quite the age difference.
Well it’s definately not the Evanston Varsity. Too modern looking. Good luck in the hunt.
FYI, Just a further tidbit about Claudia Cassidy, originally posted by BWChicago & SPearce in February of `08.
There is a theatre bearing her name, the Claudia Cassidy Theatre, located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 East Washington. It is located next the GAR Rotunda & GAR Hall on the Randolph St. side. I’m sure the history can be easily accessed by visiting
www.chicagoculturalcenter.org
It reads as if the owner did everything right. You’d think the local taxing body would recognize the theatre’s value to the neighborhood, and help to make the inevitable tax break retroactive or something.
Or spreading the present difference across the next several years or so.
It’s not like other business owners would cry fowl.
Even a business that owns multiple companies isn’t prepared for a $25K hit. The accountants should have caught the Mills Act criteria and planned accordingly.
Ironically the future tax benefit is now a selling feature.
My brother reminded me yesterday that next to the Aardvark Theatre inside of Piper’s Alley, was a place called Charley’s General Store. It might have been bi-level inside.
It started out as a kind of kitchy, country-like antique store of sorts, but ultimately became a bit of a head shop itself. Probably because the existing head shop in Piper’s Alley was seeing all the business.
The Earl of Old Town I mentioned earlier is where Corcoran’s is located now. After a brief run in the `90’s when it was known as The Last Act.
A name chosen likely to tie itself to the Second City across the street.
And maybe in honor of Belushi and all who frequented it after work.
As the Earl, it was famous for having such folk stars as Bonnie Kolac etc. during it’s heydey in the `60’s.
Wow. I expect Eastwood to ride up, squint and light a cigar.
Great pic! Thanks.
Wow, what a saga. I’m all for any added safety improvements. But for the city government to mandate something so costly, without a plan to help pay for it on a place that should be grandfathered in anyway, is shameful.
My guess is that the city silently was also against the concert venue idea as well. The Coronet Theatre in Evanston Illinois suffered a similar fate over that. An initial liquor license stipulated that it could only be served in the lobby, not the auditorium. Spotters were dispatched to witness any “rule breaking”.
It eventually became such a headache to continue to build a business that was ironically a potential boon to the area, that they just threw in the towel. It was torn down and became condos & retail space.
My thoughts and hopes are with the Ioka.
Hope your film turns out well. Be sure to include the former pool area.
P.S. The Chrysler pictured is a 1956.
Chrysler designer Virgil Exner’s first year with a tail fin. Which would go crazy the following year.
I meant labor intensive at the Woods.
Their upper marquee was easily 2 stories tall.
Yeah, those letters truly are cool. I’d forgotten until I saw the Woods page that some theatre’s had those. I think the State-Lake did too.
Must have been pretty labor intensive to change them all out as the movies changed. Maybe why they replaced them all the the blank white marquee’s withe the hanging letters.
P.S. My point was just proved on the Peerless Theatre page.
I couldn’t re-find the NY theatre where the relevance of posting old theatre phone numbers was questioned.
I for one relish the little tidbits of information like that. As much as the various organ makes, year of installation, etc.
In Chicago, the phone numbers used to sometimes corrolate to the neighborhoods. Mohawk4-2700, etc.
Seeing those style numbers for instance sparked my memory that Chicago’s Esquire was once Whitehall7-1111. One famous local defunct carpet company was Bouchelle. Who’s number Hudson3-2700 was sung in commercials by a booming bass voice that went so low on the 700 part, it was copied for years.
I guess my point is that seeing those old numbers posted for any theatre, might wake up memories in some that could end up being relevant to other theatres, and so on. Especially when it comes to the surrounding neighborhood of the theatre’s in their past.
In defense of the Rush Street area, not all was “seedy”. Notorious for a constant “Night Life” might be a better characterization.
Rush Street was actually an eclectic night life mix, with the seedy being an accepted part of it. As open and accepted as say in the tourist parts of New Orleans.
In the
60's &70’s a block South of the Carnegie was Punchinello’s, Figaro’s & the Athenian Room restaurant which became Faces Disco. Tavern’s and restaurant’s that were main streamish.But right next door was the Cabaret & Bourbon Street, which featured female dancers. The seedy was like an either/or choice for night time visitors. What made the specific strip joint’s seem seedy from the outside was basically the hawkers out front.
(Inside of course was sometimes a different story, depending which one you entered.)
A block further South beyond the Maryland Hotel which was quite nice, was another cluster of actual strip joints. The Candy Store, etc. But next to that was La Margarita. An established Mexican restaurant with several locations. Art galleries, jewelers, shops and other “upscale eclectic eating establishments”, rounded out the rest of Rush Street even back then.
So really it was a neighborhood, that took on a lively, different persona after dark. The Carnegie & Esquire were both a part of it.
Just caught DavidH’s December
07 post about the Sonja Heine montage of skating films being run at the Carnegie. This is entirely plausible. Another famous olympian skater also lived a block away from the Carnegie. She may have been instrumental in arranging the series. We met her more than 10 years ago with some out of town guest from her native country. In talking with her we learned she'd likely lived on the same block when we did in the60’s.As all the previous posts indicate, the Carnegie was truly great at promotions and fanfare.
Thanks. I originally inquired on this page just because both are situated in New York.
I guess it’s sheer coincidence that the Loew’s was built by the father of he who built Hammerstein’s Theatre to honor him. The latter now being the Ed Sullivan Theatre.
Also a coincidence that both theatre’s failed under the family ownership not long after opening. The second due to the depression.
They were apparently mere blocks away from each other geographically.
1516 for Loew’s, versus 1697 for Hammerstein’s.
Thanks for the info & link.
The offset name on the painted marquee sure looks out of place. Was it always called the Bucyrus? Any clue as to the origin of that name?
Wonder if any older photos exist that show the marquee in some earlier incarnations. It looks as if it was built for a more stately moniker.
And they have first run films!
What a comeback.
Cheers to them!
Thanks CWalczak, will do.
What was the original name of what is now The Ed Sullivan Theatre where Letterman tapes out of?
Was it ever a movie theatre, and how is it listed on CT? Thanks.
I wonder if they still owned the land after selling the theatre in
47. Another piece of property they didn't have to pay taxes on. I think it was the Evanston Mayor or someone in85 who suggested NU could pay $5 per student/per semester tax or so to pick up the slack that was begining to burden Evanston homeowners. It never happened.Ah, BERLITZ. I did recall it right on 8/22. I remember often seeing their bright, vertical neon from the “L” in the `70’s. Ironic that it went from being a bar to a clinic.
I just remembered why I was over by The Alameda for extended periods of time `91. I helped a friend rebuild some of the neon at the Rainbo Room.
Added some vandal proofing as well.
We parked the van by the Alameda often.
Those multiple 2x4 props under the marquee were scar-y.
Yes, you got me, I do agree. I guess the State St. elevation just turned my stomach so bad, that I wanted to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Even the shorter building next door to the North is a basically a prop front.
Illuminated window boxes where Dr. Wax Records or whatever used to be.
Thanks for educating me on some of landmark status' angles. What I heard on CVS was they were fully expecting a new structure at first. Then the powers that be informed the building’s actual owner (CVS is a tenant), that the building must remain. CVS then reluctantly agreed to the conversion.
They should have just gone over to the 17 year vacant-S/E corner, which already looked like a drug store. Now a Bank of America.
The heights of the old Hotsie and apartment building to the East consequently had to be rebuilt as was by CVS.
Hence the differing heights.
The Congress has hope, but is in bad need of some cosmetic TLC.
I understand why they removed the seats, but it cost them the “new” roller derby in the process.
The biggest, costliest thing about these old palaces, is heating them in the winter. And keeping a roof and the brickwork watertight.