The Granada Theatre, 6427-41 North Sheridan Road (in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago) was a movie theatre constructed for the Marks Brothers, who, in 1926, were major theatre operators in Chicago. Edward E. Eichenbaum was the principal designer for the architectural firm of Levy & Klein. Eichenbaum also designed the Marbro, Regal, and Century theatres.1 The Marks Brothers operated the theatre until 1934, when Balaban and Katz purchased the theatre. That firm eventually became ABC-Great Lakes Theaters and operated the theatre until 1973. Up until the mid-eighties, it was used sporadically for rock concerts.
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Demolition
Despite all attempts to save it, the theatre was purchased by Senior Life Styles Corporation, who demolished the building for a planned apartment/commercial structure.2
Today
The new 16 story apartment tower & shopping arcade constructed in the early 1990's was originally named "Granada Center", in a poor tribute to the beautiful movie palace it so blandly replaced. There are 12 floors of student apartments over a base of retail & university offices. Granada Center was eventually purchased by Loyola University and became student housing, and was renamed "Fordham Hall", thereby removing any connection to its past. Much speculation remains today as to why the theatre was demolished. It has been said that it was purposely allowed to deteriorate which would justify its demolition. Speculation remains that Loyola University wanted the property to expand (note), which considering they now own the tower that replaced it, is a more likely scenario.
References
Balaban, David "The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban and Katz" Arcadia Publishing, 2006
- 1"Historic Theatres and Movie Palaces of Balaban and Katz: Granada Theatre". Granada Theatre, accessed 2/21/2007."
- 2Ibid.
External links
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