Congress Theater Added To National Register Of Historic Places

CHICAGO, IL — Congress Theater in Logan Square has been added to the National Register Of Historic Places. With its terra cotta facade, four-story high lobby and auditorium that originally sat nearly 3,000 spectators, the Congress Theater is one of Chicago's largest and most intact surviving 1920s neighborhood movie palaces.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties that merit special attention and preservation. Every Illinois county has at least one property or historic district listed in the National Register. Together, they represent a cross section of the Prairie State's history from its early settlement to the mid-20th century.

Among the 25 Illinois sites added to the national register were the Lawson House YMCA, Flower Technical School for Girls, Motley School, Residential Hotels Chicago, Peabody School and Shoreline Apartments.

Designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Fridstein & Co. in 1926, the Congress Theater is also one of the last remaining theaters associated with Lubliner & Trinz, a prominent Chicago movie theater chain. The Congress Theater is also a Chicago Landmark.

In general, properties have to be more than 50 years old to be eligible for the National Register. A listing places no obligations on private property owners, but does make properties eligible for some financial incentives.

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