Added a photo of the detail in primer coat. The detail is much, much more legible now, but again it should be the correct colors. The primer coat illustrates well that this is meant to be a darker color, not white.
Notice the neon on PICKWICK is different, there are neon frames around the changeable letters which no longer exist, and there is concealed uplighting on the stars and faces which also no longer exists.
I uploaded a few early photographs. You can clearly see at least three shades of gray, and no white whatsoever (comparing to the white of the changeable letters.) So if there’s white, it can’t be the original scheme. It would have been simple to do some sampling and map the colors using these B&W photos, but that opportunity is now gone.
On the exterior, Iannelli did the marquee (just look at the faces) and the art glass window, and likely worked closely with Zook & McCaughey throughout the process. Not sure if he did the starburst fan additions to the marquee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RnlSnXqkFc Here’s that video. I don’t see too much water damage really. It would take some money to reopen but it could be much worse.
I think the terra cotta was removed in the 50s or 60s, maybe when the marquee and doors were replaced by those from the Tivoli, because it’s not in a photo from the 70s
mike, I have many of the opening ads for Chicago theatres saved on my hard drive, if you don’t already have them filed I could send them to you and save some duplication of effort.
They’re right next to each other. I would guess the cinemas were in the gym, looks about right for a six-plex, but they could have extended into the Sport space too.
Just copy and paste the address, David. I don’t always have time to mess with the HTML link formatting, but the URL address works and that’s what matters.
Preliminary landmark status means that any permit filed in the preliminary period is subject to review by Landmarks. Generally it means nothing can be altered in the period of consideration, which can last up to a year. This does not mean that final designation will protect the facade, lobby, and auditorium. Indeed, the Village Art (Germania) and Biograph both are landmarked but nothing past the facade is protected.
Added a photo of the detail in primer coat. The detail is much, much more legible now, but again it should be the correct colors. The primer coat illustrates well that this is meant to be a darker color, not white.
Primer coat after paint stripping/sanding
Notice the neon on PICKWICK is different, there are neon frames around the changeable letters which no longer exist, and there is concealed uplighting on the stars and faces which also no longer exists.
I uploaded a few early photographs. You can clearly see at least three shades of gray, and no white whatsoever (comparing to the white of the changeable letters.) So if there’s white, it can’t be the original scheme. It would have been simple to do some sampling and map the colors using these B&W photos, but that opportunity is now gone.
On the exterior, Iannelli did the marquee (just look at the faces) and the art glass window, and likely worked closely with Zook & McCaughey throughout the process. Not sure if he did the starburst fan additions to the marquee.
The NR doesn’t restrict anything. Only if it was a tax credit funded rehabilitation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RnlSnXqkFc Here’s that video. I don’t see too much water damage really. It would take some money to reopen but it could be much worse.
Cinema Treasures policy is to list it under the current name if it’s open.
nope. closest is the patio.
I think the terra cotta was removed in the 50s or 60s, maybe when the marquee and doors were replaced by those from the Tivoli, because it’s not in a photo from the 70s
mike, I have many of the opening ads for Chicago theatres saved on my hard drive, if you don’t already have them filed I could send them to you and save some duplication of effort.
Recent news
They’re trying to reopen, so I wouldn’t hold your breath
They’re right next to each other. I would guess the cinemas were in the gym, looks about right for a six-plex, but they could have extended into the Sport space too.
Reopening June 8 as Studio Movie Grill
Here is the new Boxoffice link
Just copy and paste the address, David. I don’t always have time to mess with the HTML link formatting, but the URL address works and that’s what matters.
http://calumet412.tumblr.com/post/22916050294/two-interior-photos-of-the-esquire-theater-on-oak
the stage is still there but some floors have been inserted, most of it is the kitchen. the booth is still up there empty.
The Pickwick is about 1/3 of the way through replacing the seats in the main auditorium with high-back, vinyl, rocker chairs. It’s… different.
Most, but not all, of this section of stud lighting works. The part around the marquee does not. The upper part does not. It’s rarely turned on.
Very interesting, thanks!
The address should be corrected to 114 S. State.
Henry L. Newhouse should be removed as architect. Lindley Phelps Rowe was architect and firm was Fridstein & Co.
Looks like 1983, all right.
Preliminary landmark status means that any permit filed in the preliminary period is subject to review by Landmarks. Generally it means nothing can be altered in the period of consideration, which can last up to a year. This does not mean that final designation will protect the facade, lobby, and auditorium. Indeed, the Village Art (Germania) and Biograph both are landmarked but nothing past the facade is protected.