Norshore Theater
Norshore Theater Soundex Code T360
Chicago 26, Ill.
Opened: June 17, 1926
Status: Closed 1957/Demolished
Style: French Renaissance
Seats: 3,017
Firm: Rapp & Rapp
Opened in June 17, 1926 and operated by the Balaban & Katz chain, the palatial Norshore Theater seated just over 3000.
This theater was located in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Howard Street between Clark Street and Hermitage Avenue. Its outer lobby featured huge crystal chandeliers and the ceiling was decorated with Pompeiian motifs. The theater also contained fine French antiques.
The Norshore was closed in 1957, and in 1960, this amazing theater was reduced to rubble. Benefit Trust building, 1771 N. Howard Street was an insurance company was later built in its place. This, too, was eventually razed, to be replaced by Gateway Plaza, a shopping center.
Photos
RPWRHS photo C043-32306 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, as seen from the north side of the intersection of Hermitage Avenue and Howard Street looking southwest in February 1933.
RPWRHS photo K004-0104 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, as viewed from north side of Howard Street and Clark Street looking south east. 1960.
RPWRHS photo K041-0101 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, as seen from west 'L' platform looking west. June 1926.
RPWRHS photo K041-0102 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, Merry Gardens beauty queens, June 1926.
RPWRHS photo K041-0103 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, Merry Gardens beauty queens on platform, June 1926.
RPWRHS photo K041-0104 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, Howard Avenue Pageant crowd, June 1926.
RPWRHS photo K041-0105 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, Howard Avenue Pageant pennant, June 1926.
RPWRHS photo S088-007 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, marquee at night. Date not given.
RPWRHS photo S088-010 shows Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, lobby. 1926.
RPWRHS photo T026-0102 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street. A cake from Davidson's Bakery celebrating the theater's 4th anniversary. July 1930.
RPWRHS photo T026-0104 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street. Interior, stairs. circa 1930.
RPWRHS photo T026-0105 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street. Interior, stage. circa 1930.
RPWRHS photo T026-0111 shows the Norshore Theater, 1749 W. Howard Street, Interior--lobby. Circa 1930.
