only one still around.
The Genesee Theatre opened on Christmas Day 1927, with a dance band, a comedy act, four variety acts, and a movie. It served a the premier theatre along the north shore. In 1927, A.L. Brumund, H.C Burnett, and D.T. Webb decided to buy a large plot of land on the corners of Genesee and Clayton Streets, buying it from the neighboring Y.M.C.A for $130,000. Construction of the Theatre began in September of 1927. The outside façade was built from terra cotta and pressed brick in ornate design. The main entrance was located on Genesee Street and opened into a huge lobby with a large chandelier. The stage was equipped with the newest technology in stagecraft in order to accommodate live theatre, like vaudeville, music presentations, and film. A massive $25,000 Barton Grande pipe organ was a focal point of the Theatre. For comfort, the Theatre was outfitted with the most advanced heating and cooling system of its time. In 1982, the Theatre stopped showing movies due to economic decline and the rise of major movie cineplexes. And in 1989, it officially closed and went up for sale. The City of Waukegan purchased the building in 1999 and began renovations at a cost of almost $23 million with the help of over 120 volunteers. Everyone tried to renovate the theatre to its former glory. There were major and minor changes made however. The Genesee Theatre finally reopened on December 3, 2004 with two sold out shows of Bill Cosby. Now the theatre is still booming and going strong. I don't think we will see that theatre closing anytime soon.