Near North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Village Theatre

Alfred Woerner, architect; 1915-16

— Chicago Landmark —

Village Theatre Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 6, 2024

1. Village Theatre Marker

Inscription. Originally called the Germania Theater, this site is where the "first-generation" movie theater was built exclusively for motion picture use. The facade, which remains today, with its Classical and Renaissance Revival-style terra-cotta ornament incorporates symbolism in much of the details such as acorns and oak leaves, German symbols of good luck. The "singing" character heads and musical instruments reflect the neighboring Germania Club, a social club with its origins in men's choral music.

Designated on May 13, 2009
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.

Location. 41° 54.652′ N, 87° 37.912′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Near North. Marker can be reached from North Clark Street south of North Avenue (Illinois Route 64), on the left when traveling north. It is to the right of the building's entrance on Clark Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1550 North Clark Street, Chicago IL 60602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. The Richard M. and Shirley H. Jaffee History Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago is Connected (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chicago is Natural (about 400 feet away); Catholic Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Chicago is Community (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Chicago is Community (about 700 feet away); Chicago is Complex (about 700 feet away); Chicago is Resilient (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The marker appears to have been added to the building in either 2022 or 2023.

Regarding Village Theatre. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2009, at a time when its only tenants were not a theater but a nail salon and a hair studio. The building was completely taken down in 2018 and then rebuilt identically (including its original ornamental features) as part of a larger development along Clark Street between North Avenue and Germania Place. Prior to its reconstruction, it was easily spotted thanks to a large marquee that jutted out over the sidewalk.

Also see . . .
1. In The News: “Demolished Village Theater gets second life in new Gold Coast condo development”. (Submitted on March 6, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Commission on Chicago Landmarks: Village Theater

Village Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 6, 2024

2. Village Theatre

The reconstructed Village Theatre is now part of a development along Clark Street between Germania Place and North Avenue.

. (Submitted on March 6, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed By Commission on Chicago Landmarks, circa 2009

3. Village Theatre

A view of the Village Theatre before its reconstruction in the late 2010s.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 41 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.