Alba Theatre

4816 N. Kedzie Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60625

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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

Alba Theatre

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

Recent comments (view all 13 comments)

pritikin1
pritikin1 on December 6, 2009 at 7:17 am

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…

Broan
Broan on February 11, 2010 at 9:27 am

in 1954 the alba became one of the first bowling alleys in chicago to go automatic.

Broan
Broan on March 19, 2012 at 12:03 pm

The Economist lists Foltz & Brand as architects.

RiisPark
RiisPark on March 12, 2013 at 6:18 pm

In 1966 the Alba became the ‘Alba a Go Go’ and featured live teen bands.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on April 18, 2014 at 9:34 pm

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/

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on July 30, 2014 at 1:18 pm

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.

Broan
Broan on January 17, 2016 at 9:53 am

Here is a THSA picture.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 11, 2016 at 2:44 pm

December 25th, 1934 grand opening ad as B & K Alba in the photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 11, 2016 at 2:45 pm

March 7th, 1923 grand opening ad for Capitol in the photo section.

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