CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A decades-old theater in Little Village is now a Chicago landmark.
The historic Apollo's 2000 on Cermak Road originally opened in 1917 as the Marshall Square Theater for vaudeville shows and silent movies.
It's now special events venue and an official Chicago Landmark. The designation was recommended by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in February 2024.
The designation recognizes the building's heritage and architecture and protects all exterior elevations and rooflines, as well as inside the lobby and auditorium.
Interior of Apollo TheaterApollo
Javier and Lidia Galindo have owned and operated the theater for more than 35 years. The family told the Chicago Sun-Times that they didn't seriously consider pursuing landmark designation until a few years ago.
"The goal — and my parents have done this from the beginning of their ownership of the building — [is] to really care for the building and its integrity," Stell said. "And that's exactly what landmark designation does, right? It helps ensure the preservation of historical buildings like the Apollo's 2000."
"And that's exactly what landmark designation does, right? It helps ensure the preservation of historical buildings like the Apollo's 2000."
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