Alba Theatre
4816 N. Kedzie Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60625
4816 N. Kedzie Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60625
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Alfred Hamburger Theaters, Balaban & Katz Corp.
Architects: Albert A. Schwartz
Firms: Foltz & Co., Rissman & Hirschfeld
Previous Names: Albany Park Theatre, Capitol Theatre
Nearby Theaters
Originally opened as the Albany Park Theatre in 1915. It was closed for several years before it was remodeled and renamed the Capitol Theatre, reopening on March 7, 1923 with John Bowers in “Quincey Adams Sawyer”. It became the Alba Theatre on December 25, 1934 with John Mack Brawn in “Against the Law”, operated by Balaban & Katz Corp. It became a bowling alley in 1954 and a teen dance hall in 1966. Later demolished.
A parking lot was on the site of the Alba Theatre for many years. By 2017 a senior citizen retirement building stands on the site.
Contributed by
Ray Martinez
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
I lived a block away during the 40s and early 50s, There were 2 other movie theaters near by, the Terminal on Lawrence just a block away from the beginning of the Ravenswood el, and across the street the Metro.Their screen was behind you when you walked into the theater.
After movies played downtown, they then went to the Uptown at Lawrence and Broadway, then to the Terminal and finally the Alba. I remember when it was converted to a bowling alley. I even set a few pins there! I learned something from your site… that ALBA was short for Albany Park…
in 1954 the alba became one of the first bowling alleys in chicago to go automatic.
The Economist lists Foltz & Brand as architects.
In 1966 the Alba became the ‘Alba a Go Go’ and featured live teen bands.
I added a flyer from the Alba Go-Go.
The Alba is also mentioned in this article.
http://francesarcher.com/2011/02/hot-dogs-and-baseball-an-albany-park-boyhood/
This house reopened as the Capitol Theatre on March 7, 1923. It had been remodeled and redecorated after having been closed for many years. The architect for the project, Albert A. Schwartz, and the decorator, O. J. Bodelson, wrote an article about the project for the April 7 issue of Exhibitors Herald. There are four photos, and the article mentions a Kimball Organ Co. Unit Orchestra being installed in the renovated house.
Here is a THSA picture.
December 25th, 1934 grand opening ad as B & K Alba in the photo section.
March 7th, 1923 grand opening ad for Capitol in the photo section.
Two images added.