It was recently announced that the Skokie Theatre would be closing at the end of this year. This isn’t the first time that the theater faced closing, but it appears to be a certainty this time.
Opened in 1912, the Skokie Theatre is one of the oldest buildings in Skokie, Ill., where I live, and the first to have air-conditioning. At one time, it was a studio lot where some of the first silent films were made.
After being purchased in 2004, it became the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation. The Foundation invested $1.5 million into renovation, making it a state-of-the-art venue which seated 140. It has been the home to live performances as well as second-run movies.
The closing is unfortunate news to Skokie residents, historians and the downtown Skokie area, which has been under scrutiny during the huge ongoing revitalization project. I can’t say it is surprising. With two large multiscreen theaters nearby and the growth of quick movie rentals, theaters such as this are becoming dinosaurs. I happen to like this dinosaur, though.
Situated on an oddly shaped intersection, the theater stands out, signaling the start of the downtown area. I can walk to the theater from my house. It doesn’t really lack anything that huge theaters have.
I hope the Skokie Theatre gets a reprieve, but I understand the economics. Maybe some creative person will figure out a way to increase the usage and keep the theater open.
— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
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