A final landmark recommendation has been issued for the Apollo’s 2000 theater at 2875 W Cermak Road in Little Village. Located just west of the intersection with S Marshall Boulevard and the city’s Grand Boulevard, the recommendation was officially made by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Now the historic theater’s official landmark designation will now depend on approval from city council.
Site map of Apollo’s 2000 via Commission on Chicago Landmark
Image of Apollo’s 2000 via Commission on Chicago Landmark
The theater originally opened as the Marshall Square Theater in 1917 designed by Alexander Levy. The Spanish Renaissance-style theater is clad in a brick and terra cotta facade with intricate detailing across its cornice, windows, and two turrets similar to those found in Navy Pier. The building originally hosted vaudeville performances and silent films, prior to switching to exclusively showing films in 1936.
Image of Apollo’s 2000 via Commission on Chicago Landmark
1936 is also when a large box beam was inserted into the facade to support the existing Art Deco-style marquee sign up front. However it wasn’t till 1990s that it was once again renovated and converted into a banquet hall and small music venue. Throughout its time as a venue, it hosted multiple Spanish Rock, Pop, and Latin Jazz concerts among others, becoming a beacon for the community.
Image of Apollo’s 2000 via Commission on Chicago Landmark
Image of Apollo’s 2000 via Commission on Chicago Landmark
The theater has been owned by Javier and Lidia Galindo since 1988, who hope the designation will bring much needed dollars to help preserve the structure for generations to come. The building meets multiple criteria for the designation including its architecture and cultural significance, with its facade, rooflines, and auditorium being protected. The motion will now proceed to the next City Council meeting for final approval.
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Beautiful building. Hope it receives designation and will be preserved.
That is Marshall Square neighborhood not little village, why do people in the media insist on drawing attention to our community falsely. I’m a long time resident of little village and I can tell you that is not little village
Hey Mario! The theater is within Marshall Square which largely falls within the greater neighborhood of little Village per the city’s official boundaries. Though I know the heart of Little Village itself is on 26th and few blocks west.
Technically this is South Lawndale. Which is one of the 77 community areas of Chicago. Also known as “Little Village” or “La Villita”.
I used to go when it was the Marshall Sq. Movie theater, in the middle 50’s!