The cornice has recently been repainted to match the terra cotta and the old lighting sockets in it were covered over, so it’s unlikely we’ll ever see that lighting function again. I’m not sure if the color is historically accurate or not.
Originally a 2-screen built around 1972, it was increased to 4 around 1980, and 3 more were added in the late 80s. The 8th screen was the old El Tovar/Raue Center downtown. The old complex was demolished in 1996 after the 16 opened. I have to wonder if the 2-screen was originally a Kerasotes as the Showplace name is generally theirs.
Cinemark announced plans in 1996 shortly after AMC to build a 20-to-30 screen at I-88 and Rte. 59 in Naperville, and later a 20-24 across the street at Barrington and Lakewood (this would be Hoffman Estates). The struggle was related to an annexation battle; the property the 30 sits on was de-annexed from South Barrington and would have been annexed to Hoffman, but was re-annexed contingent on approval of the 30. The name was also going to be AMC Studio Centre (thus the street name) but was changed shortly before opening. It opened March 1998.
Architect was William Timper, at the time AMC’s chief architect.
At the theater’s opening, some unique features included two self-serve bulk candy and bagged popcorn aisles, a HVAC system that operated based upon number of tickets sold for a given screen, partial stadium seating, love seats in the back row, Pizzeria Uno pizza, and French Quarter Coffee. An infomercial for WBBM-TV was shot here for the weeks following its opening.
It was actually built cooperatively by Loews and Kerasotes and was initially announced as a 16-screen in March 1994. This followed an October 1993 plan by Kerasotes for a 12-screen that was altered after Loews agreed to purchase adjacent land and expand the complex. The 12-screen plan called for theaters ranging from 161-393 seats. By November the screen count had settled at 14. It was also unique in that it wasn’t part of a mall.
The South Barrington plan was not announced until June 1996.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
Also, a March 20, 1936 Tribune article states that the assistant manager, Iving Fehlburg, was murdered by patron Peter Krisoulas in the theater office. Krisoulas feared that Fehlburg would have him arrested for molesting a girl in the theater.
I believe my guess from April 2006 is actually correct as the Archer was built well before 1925. Likely the Midwest was originally supposed to replace the Archer for Schoenstadt, which would explain why it would be the New Archer. The plan probably changed when they decided to retain the Archer.
The office building is in fact receiving what, from what I can see from the el, is an accurate replica of the cornice. Although it seems to be copper and I had assumed the original was terra cotta. So far, they’re really doing a phenomenal job of facade restoration.
The January 1936 Architectural Forum confirms Perry as architect, he presumably was part of holabird & roche. the 1950s remodel must have been rapp. I have copies of this article with nice photos if you email me.
It does indeed appear to have opened in 1919, from the Tribune. This makes more sense with the Brighton’s architecture as well.
The cornice has recently been repainted to match the terra cotta and the old lighting sockets in it were covered over, so it’s unlikely we’ll ever see that lighting function again. I’m not sure if the color is historically accurate or not.
The project was started in 1996 and opened in 1997, not 2001. Kerasotes built it.
Originally a 2-screen built around 1972, it was increased to 4 around 1980, and 3 more were added in the late 80s. The 8th screen was the old El Tovar/Raue Center downtown. The old complex was demolished in 1996 after the 16 opened. I have to wonder if the 2-screen was originally a Kerasotes as the Showplace name is generally theirs.
It opened November 15 1996 as a Second Run house with 1.50 tickets. It also offered free refills and a small cafe.
Cinemark announced plans in 1996 shortly after AMC to build a 20-to-30 screen at I-88 and Rte. 59 in Naperville, and later a 20-24 across the street at Barrington and Lakewood (this would be Hoffman Estates). The struggle was related to an annexation battle; the property the 30 sits on was de-annexed from South Barrington and would have been annexed to Hoffman, but was re-annexed contingent on approval of the 30. The name was also going to be AMC Studio Centre (thus the street name) but was changed shortly before opening. It opened March 1998.
Architect was William Timper, at the time AMC’s chief architect.
At the theater’s opening, some unique features included two self-serve bulk candy and bagged popcorn aisles, a HVAC system that operated based upon number of tickets sold for a given screen, partial stadium seating, love seats in the back row, Pizzeria Uno pizza, and French Quarter Coffee. An infomercial for WBBM-TV was shot here for the weeks following its opening.
It opened at 10 screens and 4 were added after 1996
It was at 14 screens in 1996 and six more were subsequently added
Before the theater even opened, Marcus had planned to add 4 more screens.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
It was actually built cooperatively by Loews and Kerasotes and was initially announced as a 16-screen in March 1994. This followed an October 1993 plan by Kerasotes for a 12-screen that was altered after Loews agreed to purchase adjacent land and expand the complex. The 12-screen plan called for theaters ranging from 161-393 seats. By November the screen count had settled at 14. It was also unique in that it wasn’t part of a mall.
The South Barrington plan was not announced until June 1996.
This was one of three local theaters built to similar Sony plans: the Rolling Meadows, the Streamwood, and the Crestwood.
The earliest references I can find to the Archer in the Tribune are in January 1914. I do see a Grand Theater at 35th and Archer in 1912.
Also, a March 20, 1936 Tribune article states that the assistant manager, Iving Fehlburg, was murdered by patron Peter Krisoulas in the theater office. Krisoulas feared that Fehlburg would have him arrested for molesting a girl in the theater.
I believe my guess from April 2006 is actually correct as the Archer was built well before 1925. Likely the Midwest was originally supposed to replace the Archer for Schoenstadt, which would explain why it would be the New Archer. The plan probably changed when they decided to retain the Archer.
The office building is in fact receiving what, from what I can see from the el, is an accurate replica of the cornice. Although it seems to be copper and I had assumed the original was terra cotta. So far, they’re really doing a phenomenal job of facade restoration.
It did open at the Esquire. Not sure whether it was 70 or not.
How was it altered for the later incarnations of the theater?
I now have high-quality exteriors from the 1930s including a photo of ‘before’. They are on the link immediately above. wow!
The January 1936 Architectural Forum confirms Perry as architect, he presumably was part of holabird & roche. the 1950s remodel must have been rapp. I have copies of this article with nice photos if you email me.
No, it was restored under Ray Shepardson. The Cadillac Palace was under Dan Coffey.
The Lakeshore has recently changed their marquee to a funky red-and black
Yes.
Wow, that floor is really sloped.
The Randhurst is doomed, after only 10 years. It will be replaced by an 18-screener. Why?
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