Granada Theatre
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The Granada Theatre, 6427-41 North Sheridan Road (in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago) was constructed for the Marks Brothers, who, in 1926, were major theatre operators in Chicago. Edward E. Eichenbaum was the principal designer for the architectural firm of Levy & Klein.
The Marks Brothers operated the theatre until 1934, when Balaban and Katz purchased the theatre. That firm eventually became ABC-Great Lakes Theaters and operated the theatre until 1973, when it was sold to a group who proposed to use it for rock concerts. This plan never came to be, and several other groups unsuccessfully attempted to revitalize the Granada between 1973 and 1987.
[edit] Demolition
Despite all attempts to save it, the theatre was purchased in 1990 by a group who demolished it with plans of constructing apartments.
[edit] Today
The new 16 story apartment tower & shopping arcade constructed in the early 1990's was originally named "Granada Center", in a poor tribute to the beautiful movie palace it so blandly replaced. There are 12 floors of student apartments over a base of retail & university offices.
Granada Center was eventually purchased by Loyola University and became student housing, and was renamed "Fordham Hall", thereby removing any connection to its past.
Much speculation remains today as to why the theatre was demolished. It has been said that it was purposely allowed to deteriorate which would justify it's demolition. Speculation remains that Loyola University wanted the property to expand (note), which considering they now own the tower that replaced it, is a more likely scenario.
