Granada Theater
Chicago, IL 60626
Opened: Tuesday, September 21, 1926
Status: Closed/Demolished Sunday, September 30, 1990
Style: Spanish Baroque
Seats: 3,443
Architect: Edward E. Eichenbaum
Firm: Levy & Klein
Built in 1926 for the Marks Brothers circuit, this was one of the largest movie palaces on Chicago's Far North Side, located in Rogers Park. In November 1929, the theater was acquired by the Balaban & Katz chain. The Granada Theater was originally designed by Edward E. Eichenbaum (of the firm of Levy & Klein) for both live stage shows and movies, but by the 1940s, was only showing films. It remained open until the late-1970s.
The Granada Theater was used for rock concerts sporadically during the early to mid-1980s, but eventually closed entirely.
It was torn down in 1990, after being stripped of all its remaining decoration. Granada Center, an apartment/retail complex, was constructed in its place.
Chicago Landmarks Historic Resources Survey
Architect: Levy & Klein
Historic Name: Granada Theater
Community: Rogers Park (01)
Address: 6425 N. Sheridan Road
Constructed: Started in 07/01/1929
Classification: Building
Style: Spanish Revival
Type: Theater
Color Code: Possesses potentially significant architectural or historical features (OR)
Landmark? N
National Register? N
Major Tenant:
Building Details: Baroque
Pin: 1132405028
Photos
RPWRHS photo A008-0110 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, from the "L", circa 1960.
RPWRHS photo A008-0203 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, looking north from Devon Avenue, 1977.
RPWRHS photo C036-013 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, 151 bus, 1964.
RPWRHS photo C036-0103 shows the construction of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad elevation of its tracks just south of what is now the Loyola Avenue Station, 1200 W. Loyola Avenue. After 1908 the Northwestern Elevated Railroad was extended to Howard Street on the tracks of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. The elevation of the tracks began in 1914, but, due to material shortages caused by World War I, was not completed until 1921. The rear of the original St. Ignatius Church, 6559 N. Glenwood Avenue, can be seen at the left. The Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, was built in this site in 1926.
RPWRHS photo C036-0111 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, circa 1930.
RPWRHS photo C043-25614 shows Boy Scout receiving awards at the Granada Theater 6427 N. Sheridan Road in 1946.
RPWRHS photo C043-26027 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, No date given.
RPWRHS photo J009-0101 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road - relief, November 14, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0160 shows a closed Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, April 26, 1987.
RPWRHS photo L009-0233 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, April 9, 1987.
RPWRHS photo L009-0300 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition (Crane & bulldozer), January 17, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0301 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition (tangled ironwork), January 17, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0302 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition (looking toward stage), January 10, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0303 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition (front hoarding), January 10, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0311 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition (north side viewed from Sheridan Road), December 2, 1989.
RPWRHS photo L009-0317 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition, February 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0398 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition. Two unidentified workers display a head sculpture removed from the theater. February 27, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0507 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior, demolition, January 11, 1990.
RPWRHS photo L009-0529 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, interior, demolition, January 1990. Photographer: Steven D. Arazmus.
RPWRHS photo L009-0550 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, closed but prior to demolition. April 26, 1987.
RPWRHS photo R044-0114 shows a Mobil Gas Station in the foreground and the Granada Theater in the background on the Northeast corner of N. Sheridan Road and W. Sheridan Road. 1940s.
RPWRHS photo R044-0212 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road. Photo from Lerner Newspaper, 1987. Movie playing: Taming of the Shrew (1929) staring Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks. This was the first movie in which the two stars appeared together.
RPWRHS photo R044-0233 shows architects' rendering of Granada Center, 6427 N. Sheridan Road. Date unknown. This was first concept drawing to show what was contemplated to replace Granada Theater by Loyola University, 6525 N. Sheridan Road.
RPWRHS photo S013-0445 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition, sunset on facade, broken windows. May 1975. Date in doubt. Should be 1989/90 time frame.
RPWRHS photo S013-0448 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition. 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0449 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, demolition. 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0638 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, closed. June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0639 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, closed. June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0640 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, closed. June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0641 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, closed under marquee. June 1989.
RPWRHS photo T026-0107 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Chas Kelly & Orchestra. circa 1930. Note the Chicago Motor Coach double-decker bus in the foreground.
RPWRHS photo T026-0112 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Benny Meroff & Orchestra, Choreographer Jack Haskell's production, The Love Boat, a stage show, was featured and the movie showing was The Clinging Vine w/Leatrice Joy and Tom Moore. No date given, but the movie came out in 1926.
RPWRHS photo T026-0113 shows the Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Movie showing: Welcome Danger, starring Harold Lloyd and Barbara Kent. 1929.
RPWRHS photo W019-0003 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior - columns, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0005 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, stage, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0011 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior - staircase, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0016 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior - ceiling, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0017 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, balcony and columns, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0018 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior - balcony from below, 1987.
RPWRHS photo W019-0024 shows Granada Theater, 6427 N. Sheridan Road, Interior - balcony, 1987.
