LITTLE VILLAGE — An early 20th century Little Village movie theater now operating as an event space is officially a Chicago Landmark.
The City Council on Wednesday gave landmark status to the Apollo’s 2000 Theater, 2875 W. Cermak Road. Wednesday’s vote concludes a process to landmark the site that began last year.
The theater, originally named the Marshall Square Theater, was built in 1917 by Alexander Levy. When it first opened, the theater showcased movies and vaudeville acts with comedians, singers, musicians and other performers.
The building still has its original terra-cotta facade and intricate gold trim all along the interior.
The theater began showing Spanish language films in the ’60s as Mexican-Americans moved into surrounding area. It closed in the ’80s.
The theater was later reopened by current owners Javier and Lidia Galindo, who have operated the theater since 1988 and support the landmarking effort. Apollo’s 2000 today hosts a wide range of events and performances.
The Galindos hope a landmark designation will help preserve the building for generations to come and spark change in the surrounding business corridor, they previously told Block Club.
“The building is crying out for recognition, it’s crying out for a little more respect. It’s forgotten over here in the Southwest Side of the city,” Javier Galindo said previously. “People that don’t know the place, they come in and they see this as a hidden gem in the city. That’s the word that I’ve always heard: hidden gem.”
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