Congress Theater
The Congress Theater in 2008
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| Address | 2135 N. Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, Illinois United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| Owner | Eddie Carranza |
| Designation | Chicago Landmark |
| Type | theater |
| Capacity | 4,900 |
| Current use | live music venue |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1926 |
| Years active | 1926-present |
| Architect | Fridstein & Company |
| Website | |
| http://www.congresschicago.com/ | |
| Designated | July 10, 2002 |
The Congress Theater is a historic movie palace in Chicago. It was built by Fridstein and Company in 1926 for the movie theater chain of Lubliner and Trinz. It features ornate exterior and interior design work, in a combination of the Classical Revival and Italian Renaissance styles.
In its heyday, the Congress Theater could seat over 2,500 moviegoers and also had storefronts facing the streets. More recently, the theater operated as a 3,500-capacity live music venue. The theater was also used for professional wrestling shows by Dragon Gate USA beginning in 2009.
Under the ownership of Eddie Carranza, the venue undertook an "ambitious" renovation designed by CBD Architects in 2012.[1] It was a source of controversy due to issues such as liquor violations, a notoriously tough security team, and lax building upkeep.[2] In April 2013, the theater was shut down and had its liquor license revoked due to numerous safety code violations.[3]
In early 2014, it was reported that Carranza would sell the theater to developer Michael Moyer.[2] Moyer plans to spend $55 million restoring the theater, with the goal of reopening the Congress in 2017.[4]
Notable events
- Oprah Winfrey filmed the introduction to her television show in the lobby of the theater.[when?][5]
- The theater was designated a Chicago Landmark on July 10, 2002.[6]
- In August 2008, pop punk band Paramore recorded a live CD/DVD titled The Final Riot! at the theater. It was released in November 2008 and it was awarded in US (Gold Album) and Canada (Platinum Album).
- On March 31, 2009, VH1 Storytellers recorded a segment on blues band ZZ Top at the Congress Theater; the show aired June 27, 2009, on VH1 Classic.
See also
Notes
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sale of Congress Theater pending | WBEZ 91.5 Chicago
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-michael-moyer-congress-theater-0215-biz-20150213-story.html#page=1
- ↑ History and Description
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Vague or ambiguous time from May 2015
- 1926 establishments in Illinois
- Buildings and structures in Chicago, Illinois
- Neoclassical architecture in Illinois
- Italian Renaissance Revival architecture in the United States
- Landmarks in Chicago, Illinois
- Music venues in Chicago, Illinois
- Theatres completed in 1926
- Theatres in Chicago, Illinois
