Howard Theater
1621 W. Howard Street? could be 1626?
Chicago, IL 60626
Status: Closed/Demolished in 1970s
Style: Neoclassical
Seats: 1,625
Architect: Henry L. Newhouse
Firm: Newhouse & Bernham
This site was visited during the 2009 Annual House Tour.
The Howard opened in 1917? (May 4, 1918)?, designed by Henry L. Newhouse, whose other Chicago theaters included the Metropolitan and Atlantic Theaters.
It was acquired by the Balaban & Katz chain not long after it had opened. Notable was its ornate neo-classical facade, complete with sculpted masks of comedy and tragedy, and the theater's name inscribed above the arch-shaped window over the marquee.
The Howard continued to show first run films until it was shuttered around the mid-to-late 1970s. In 1999, the long-vacant Howard's auditorium was razed but its beautiful facade and outer lobby were saved and integrated into the apartments and retail structure which was built on the site of the Howard Theater.
Photos
RPWRHS photo C043-23599 shows the Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, as seen from the Northeast corner of Howard Street and Marshfield Avenue looking southwest.
RPWRHS photo C043-25620 shows the Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, War Bond Booth, circa: 1939 -1944.
RPWRHS photo D004-0301 shows 1600 block of Howard Street looking east from in front of the Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street.
RPWRHS photo L009-0220 shows Mary Jo Doyle standing on north side of Howard Street with the Howard Theater in the background. No date given.
RPWRHS photo R044-0130 shows Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, 1918 advertisement.
RPWRHS photo R044-0401 shows Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, Orchestra pit. 1920.
RPWRHS photo S003-93841 shows Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street under construction, 1917.
RPWRHS photo S013-0278 shows Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0279 shows Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, sign for Enrique's Unisex Salon, June 1989.
RPWRHS photo S013-0283 shows the Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street, background, left side, dark building. July 1989.
RPWRHS photo T026-0109 shows the Howard Theater, 1621 W. Howard Street. Movie showing: Whilrlwind of Youth. May 27, 1927.