Garrick Theater (Chicago)
Encyclopedia
The Schiller Theatre Building was designed by Louis Sullivan
and Dankmar Adler
of the firm Adler & Sullivan
for the German Opera Company. At the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in Chicago. Its centerpiece was a 1,300-seat theater, which is considered to be one of the greatest collaborations between Adler and Sullivan by architectural historians.
Opened in 1892, the Schiller Theater was originally funded by German investors and was projected to be used for German-language operas and cultural events. One of the more tangible references to its German heritage was a series of terra cotta
busts of prominent German figures on the second story arcade. A portion of this arcade is now integrated into the façade of The Second City
's theater in Chicago.
The theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. It was briefly known as the Dearborn Theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name Garrick Theater. After German investors backed out of the project in the late 1890s, it ceased its German performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. In the 1930s the theater was acquired by Balaban & Katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater.
After a long decline that began in the 1930s, the Garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. The demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in Chicago. Photographer and historical preservationist Richard Nickel
was able to salvage hundreds of artifacts and ornaments from the building before and during its demolition, as well as record extensive notes, diagrams, and photographs of the structure.
Louis Sullivan
Louis Henri Sullivan was an American architect, and has been called the "father of skyscrapers" and "father of modernism" He is considered by many as the creator of the modern skyscraper, was an influential architect and critic of the Chicago School, was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, and an...
and Dankmar Adler
Dankmar Adler
Dankmar Adler was a celebrated German-born American architect.-Early years:...
of the firm Adler & Sullivan
Adler & Sullivan
Adler & Sullivan was an architectural firm founded by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. It is known for designing the Auditorium Building in Chicago and the Wainwright Building in St Louis...
for the German Opera Company. At the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in Chicago. Its centerpiece was a 1,300-seat theater, which is considered to be one of the greatest collaborations between Adler and Sullivan by architectural historians.
Opened in 1892, the Schiller Theater was originally funded by German investors and was projected to be used for German-language operas and cultural events. One of the more tangible references to its German heritage was a series of terra cotta
Terra cotta
Terracotta, Terra cotta or Terra-cotta is a clay-based unglazed ceramic, although the term can also be applied to glazed ceramics where the fired body is porous and red in color...
busts of prominent German figures on the second story arcade. A portion of this arcade is now integrated into the façade of The Second City
The Second City
The Second City is a improvisational comedy enterprise which originated in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959 and has since expanded its presence to several other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles...
's theater in Chicago.
The theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. It was briefly known as the Dearborn Theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name Garrick Theater. After German investors backed out of the project in the late 1890s, it ceased its German performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. In the 1930s the theater was acquired by Balaban & Katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater.
After a long decline that began in the 1930s, the Garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. The demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in Chicago. Photographer and historical preservationist Richard Nickel
Richard Nickel
Richard Stanley Nickel was an American photographer and historian of Polish descent best known for his efforts to preserve and document the buildings of architect Louis Sullivan.-Early life:...
was able to salvage hundreds of artifacts and ornaments from the building before and during its demolition, as well as record extensive notes, diagrams, and photographs of the structure.