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All the United States Illinois Chicago The Alvin

The Alvin

A Chicago Movie Palace Lost to Time.

Chicago, Illinois

Added By
Dylan Thuras
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The Alvin in September 2017.   Map data September 2017 Google
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About

Truly lost to obscurity is The Alvin, whose intricately decorated yellow-brick facade has been obscured by years of random signage and neglect.  

Built in 1913 and originally seating 540, the theater was at one time part of the storied Balaban & Katz chain and hung on into the 1970s, but was eventually repurposed as the unpromisingly named “V.I.P. Fashions.”

The building has long been empty, but is supposedly back on the market after years in escrow; perhaps some young cinephile or theater group yet will take one more chance on this forgotten space.


Related Tags

Shops Architectural Oddities Architecture

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Added By

Dylan

Edited By

caden019

  • caden019

Published

July 25, 2010

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Sources
  • https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150806/west-town/dance-studio-banquet-hall-revive-shuttered-vintage-cinema-west-town/
  • http://web.archive.org/web/20200321203746/http://theshapiroballroom.com/
  • https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-shapiro-ballroom-chicago
The Alvin
1612 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, 60622
United States
41.896211, -87.667913
Get Directions

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