The marquee is now lit up at night, bringing a splash of color to the downtown scene. I’ve added a picture of the ticket booth, which has someone in it during the day to distribute literature to tourists.
The Michigan is prominently featured in the climatic fight scene in the recently released film “Alex Cross.” There are shots in the balcony area and above the ceiling. How authentic those are is questionable because damage is done to the ceiling at one point.
This theater was recently referred to in an episode of “House Hunters International” on the HGTV channel. The young lady who was a local resident called it the “dollar theater.”
Interesting thing about the lobby flier display boxes. They spelled the theater’s name as “Montclair” cast in metal on the top. Wonder if anybody saved one of them?
Chicago Avenue and Washington Boulevard are both east-west oriented streets one mile apart from each other and don’t intersect. The caption on that picture is incorrect.
Cinematour has the 137 4th Avenue address and 2 pictures from 2011 that show the theater still standing. Street View is now adjusted above to show the theater.
The address in the header is incorrect. Go to Google Street View and type in 137 4th Avenue and you will see an image of the still-standing theater from 2009.
The above referenced article in the Chicagoist lists some very good reasons why a concert venue managed by the Congress folks would not be a good fit for Six Corners.
“Portage Theater supporters (rightly) fear the Congress Theater’s problems with loud concerts, crowd control, underage drinking and security would follow to the Far Northwest side. The rumblings on Everyblock claim Congress management would tear out seats in order to fill more people in the space.”
The Congress cannot be compared to the 4 other concert venues mentioned here.
I beg to differ about the Elinor. I worked for the Chicago Dept of Human Services for many years in the emergency shelter program. We would only place people in need of temporary housing there as a last resort, because of the unsavory clientele and activities which took place there. The liquor store is a magnet and certainly can’t be compared to a restaurant which serves liquor.
I still live in the area (Jefferson Park), so I know what I’m talking about.
If the church is looking at the former Belpark, they have the issue of a large liquor store and flophouse (transient hotel) directly across the street from the bingo hall. Maybe they can do outreach in the area.
You still also have the issue of a large liquor store and flophouse (transient hotel) directly across the street from the Belpark. Is this the kind of area that is going to attract folks who want to visit the theater?
The marquee is now lit up at night, bringing a splash of color to the downtown scene. I’ve added a picture of the ticket booth, which has someone in it during the day to distribute literature to tourists.
The Michigan is prominently featured in the climatic fight scene in the recently released film “Alex Cross.” There are shots in the balcony area and above the ceiling. How authentic those are is questionable because damage is done to the ceiling at one point.
This theater was recently referred to in an episode of “House Hunters International” on the HGTV channel. The young lady who was a local resident called it the “dollar theater.”
That picture referred to by Chuck is dated at least 1946, the release date of the film “Wake Up and Dream” listed on the marquee.
7 bucks to watch short films in a 36 seat “theater”? Sounds like sitting in someone’s basement and watching dvds without the ambience.
Interesting thing about the lobby flier display boxes. They spelled the theater’s name as “Montclair” cast in metal on the top. Wonder if anybody saved one of them?
That would be the Main Theater at 4815 W Armitage, which is already listed on CT.
Renovating as what?
I have added 2 photos of the lower level. Screening rooms 2 and 3 are in the basement of the theater.
I have added a photo of the lobby and refreshment stand.
Chicago Avenue and Washington Boulevard are both east-west oriented streets one mile apart from each other and don’t intersect. The caption on that picture is incorrect.
Not only closed, but the interior has now been gutted and floor leveled for retail.
Cinematour has the 137 4th Avenue address and 2 pictures from 2011 that show the theater still standing. Street View is now adjusted above to show the theater.
The address in the header is incorrect. Go to Google Street View and type in 137 4th Avenue and you will see an image of the still-standing theater from 2009.
The above referenced article in the Chicagoist lists some very good reasons why a concert venue managed by the Congress folks would not be a good fit for Six Corners.
“Portage Theater supporters (rightly) fear the Congress Theater’s problems with loud concerts, crowd control, underage drinking and security would follow to the Far Northwest side. The rumblings on Everyblock claim Congress management would tear out seats in order to fill more people in the space.”
The Congress cannot be compared to the 4 other concert venues mentioned here.
I’ve uploaded a 1953 photo of the theatre.
Reread Broan’s comments above. ‘Nuff said.
I beg to differ about the Elinor. I worked for the Chicago Dept of Human Services for many years in the emergency shelter program. We would only place people in need of temporary housing there as a last resort, because of the unsavory clientele and activities which took place there. The liquor store is a magnet and certainly can’t be compared to a restaurant which serves liquor.
I still live in the area (Jefferson Park), so I know what I’m talking about.
A “Friends of Bonham” organization has been set up to raise funds to purchase digital projection equipment. See the website for details.
If the church is looking at the former Belpark, they have the issue of a large liquor store and flophouse (transient hotel) directly across the street from the bingo hall. Maybe they can do outreach in the area.
You still also have the issue of a large liquor store and flophouse (transient hotel) directly across the street from the Belpark. Is this the kind of area that is going to attract folks who want to visit the theater?
The vertical sign was recently featured on an episode of “House Hunters” on HGTV.
It would have been nice to mention that this Arboretum was a shopping center. I had envisioned a wooded nature preserve.
Now officially named “Movies 16”.
The theater’s website indicates that they are now trying to raise money to purchase digital projection equipment.