Arcada Theater Building - St. Charles, Illinois - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

The Arcada was opened 1926 to much fanfare. The building was built by local millionaire Lester J. Norris at a cost of $500,000. The three story building was designed by Elmer Berhns in Spanish Colonial Revival style. The building was extensively decorated when it opened September 6, 1926 with a showing of the silent film "The Last Frontier" and vaudeville acts of Fibber McGee and Molly Lora. The guests also heard a recital from the $25,000 Marr and Colton silver and red organ. Over the years the Aracda became known for its vaudeville acts along with other live entertainment including George Burns and Gracie Allen, Edgar Bergen and Charile McCarthy, Olivia DeHavillan, Vincent Price and the John Phillips Sousa Band.

The nearly 1,000 seat theater building has been renovated recently including the pipe organ. The building is used for a performing arts center along with other shops.

Street address: 105 E. Main St. and 1st Ave. St. Charles, Illinois County / Borough / Parish: Kane County Year listed: 1994 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event Periods of significance: 1925-1949 Historic function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture, Social Current function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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