Once a beacon of entertainment and architectural marvel, the Granada Theatre in Chicago’s vibrant Rogers Park neighborhood stood as a testament to the golden age of movie palaces. With its colossal 3,400-seat capacity, this iconic venue captivated audiences for decades before succumbing to the wrecking ball. Join us as we journey through the opulent past of one of Chicago’s most magnificent lost landmarks.
A Vision of Grandeur: Architectural Splendor
Constructed in 1926 for the prominent Marks Brothers circuit, the Granada Theatre was a masterpiece designed by Edward E. Eichenbaum of Levy & Klein. Its strategic location at an elevated train stop, alongside multiple bus lines and a spacious parking lot, ensured unparalleled accessibility for patrons. The three-story structure, towering 92 feet high, featured a striking 93-foot wide rectangular marquee on Sheridan Road, dazzling with thousands of electric lights.
The interior was nothing short of breathtaking. Upon entering, guests were greeted by a grand lobby, an expansive space 153 feet deep and 59 feet wide, crowned by a vaulted ceiling soaring 59 feet high. Its floors, crafted from highly buffed pink Tennessee marble, exuded luxury. A majestic marble staircase led to the second-floor mezzanine and lower balcony, all adorned with elegant marble balustrades.
The auditorium itself was a marvel, boasting a column-free main floor and an expansive balcony. The ceiling was a breathtaking spectacle: an immense dome over 80 feet across, framed by smaller inset domes richly encrusted with gold leaf ornamentation. On either side of the balcony, three large arched vaults featured glass backlit by blue lighting, creating the illusion of a night sky. Four elaborate crystal chandeliers illuminated these principal spaces, enhancing the theatre’s palatial ambiance.
The Golden Age: Entertainment and Innovation
The Granada Theatre officially opened its doors on September 18, 1926, with the dazzling Jack Haskell stage show, Eastern Nights, accompanied by organist Alfred F. Brown playing the impressive Wurlitzer 4-manual 20-rank theatre organ. The stage, a colossal 32 feet deep and 98 feet wide, was perfectly suited for grand live performances.
In 1932, the renowned Publix/Balaban & Katz chain acquired the theatre, reopening it in July 1933 with a double feature starring John Barrymore and Laurel & Hardy. Under their stewardship, and later as ABC-Great Lakes Theaters, the Granada primarily showcased films from Paramount Pictures. By 1940, reflecting a shift towards purely cinematic entertainment, the original towering vertical
