Movie theater brand with Springfield roots closes after 115 years

CHICAGO — The remaining theaters operated by Chicago-based Kerasotes Theatres have closed, including the ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection in the city’s South Loop.

A sign on the door of the theater on the 1000 block of South Delano Court East said Monday the location “ended operations effective today.”

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to our guests for your unwavering support, loyalty, and enthusiasm over the many years,” the brief note said.

The abrupt closure of the theater and three others in Minnesota and California effectively ends the brand after 115 years, reported IndieWire , a news website focused on the film and theater industry.

A former employee who wished to remain anonymous told WGN they were disappointed with how Kerasotes corporate handled the closure.

Customers who purchased advance tickets directly from ShowPlace ICON have already been refunded. Refunds are processing for customers who purchased from third party vendors, the company said.

The Kerasotes brand debuted in 1909 when Greek immigrant Gus Kerasotes’ opened a nickelodeon in Springfield. AMC Theaters purchased the brand for $275 million in 2010.

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