When the Berwyn (Parthenon) was demolished about a decade ago, it was replaced by a bank facility (Savings of America?). The lending institution had a corporate policy that called for incorporating some sort of artwork relevant to the locality on the facade of the new structure. In the case of the Berwyn site, the new building included a mosaic depiction of the original Parthenon Theatre facade, complete with marquee. Although the original bank was sold to another owner, the mosaic (circa 1989 or so) can still be seen on the facade facing Cermak Road. It is a pretty faithful depiction of the Parthenon in the late ‘20’s or early '30s. As a child in the '60’s I recall that the interior had been remodeled (probably in the late '40’s or early '50’s) in a “modern” style. The interior held virtually no traces of the former, no doubt classically-inspired decor. As a child, I always thought the Berwyn interior suffered in comparison to its near neighbor, the Olympic in Cicero, which still retained a classic interior. If I can locate the photos I took prior to demolition, I will post one.
When the Berwyn (Parthenon) was demolished about a decade ago, it was replaced by a bank facility (Savings of America?). The lending institution had a corporate policy that called for incorporating some sort of artwork relevant to the locality on the facade of the new structure. In the case of the Berwyn site, the new building included a mosaic depiction of the original Parthenon Theatre facade, complete with marquee. Although the original bank was sold to another owner, the mosaic (circa 1989 or so) can still be seen on the facade facing Cermak Road. It is a pretty faithful depiction of the Parthenon in the late ‘20’s or early '30s. As a child in the '60’s I recall that the interior had been remodeled (probably in the late '40’s or early '50’s) in a “modern” style. The interior held virtually no traces of the former, no doubt classically-inspired decor. As a child, I always thought the Berwyn interior suffered in comparison to its near neighbor, the Olympic in Cicero, which still retained a classic interior. If I can locate the photos I took prior to demolition, I will post one.