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A Brief History and Photos:
Designed by architectural firm of Betts & Holcomb for the Polka Brothers it was a vaudeville theatre until bought by the
H&E Balaban theatre chain and became primarily a first run movie theatre,
receiving its trademark art deco elements. Its elegant interior features irreplaceable plaster work and its facade has patterned terra cotta. The
theatre is
a Spanish Baroque Revival treasure built in 1925 features a distinguishing marquee which has made it symbolic of the city for generations.
The Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society seeks to restore this “Treasure” to its former glory and operate it as an easily accessible cultural venue for our city and region. It will be a multi-use facility with programming for children and seniors, year round events, live performance, concerts, dance and corporate meetings.
We believe the theatre will be a regional draw which will become the corner stone of the downtown redevelopment program. It will cultivate the creativity of our future generations the way it has throughout its past.
1925
One Month after
Grand Opening, October 1925
Spring 1936, after Remodeling
April, 1946
Des Plaines Theatre, Spring 1956
Des Plaines Theatre, January 1986
All above photographs provided by the Des Plaines Historical Society
Des Plaines Theater, February 1989
Theatre marquee and entrance
Terra cotta relief work on corner
Original Proscenium
Proscenium Close up
Archway In Main House
Archway in Main House, Detail
All color Photographs were taken at the Des Plaines Theatre as it exists today.
Visit
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwchicago/sets/72157594317326309/ for more
recent photos of the Theatre. 
This 1983 photo is the ONLY photo we have of the Theatre's interior before it was divided
in 1987. If you have any other historical materials or stories you'd like to share, please contact us!
(Photo courtesy of Des Plaines Journal)
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