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  Essential Architecture-  Chicago Far South

New Regal Theater

architect

John Eberson

location

1641 E. 79th St.

date

1926-27

style

Moorish Revival

construction

Brick and terracotta

type

Theatre
 
 
John Eberson became nationally famous as a designer of atmospheric motion picture palaces, in which the audience sits within an imaginary courtyard, surrounded by exotic buildings under a star-filled sky. The New Regal, which originally was known as the Avalon, is a prime example of this type of movie theater. Its Middle Eastern, Moorish design was reportedly inspired by a Persian incense burner that the architect found in an antique market. The theater was renamed in 1985, following a major renovation, in honor of the Regal Theater, a long-time center for the performing arts in the city's African-American community. The original Regal Theater, which was located at 4719 S. King Dr., was demolished in 1973.

links

With special thanks to the City of Chicago website, www.egov.cityofchicago.org , for much of the info on this page.
Photos copyright City of Chicago.
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