About Us | The Renovation
The York kept up with the times and in April 1938 was changed to an Art Deco style both inside and out. One major change to the exterior facade began in June 1938 when the original Spanish-style marquee was taken down and a new Art Deco stainless steel and porcelain high-rise marquee was installed. The exterior was designed by Roy Blase, one the foremost theatrical architects in the country. The new marquee created a tower effect and included a canopy, containing 1,000 light bulbs, and was designed to throw an indirect light onto the highly reflective stainless steel and porcelain tower. There was also nearly 1,000 feet of neon lighting on the canopy to illuminate the sidewalk in front of the theatre.
State Street Theatre acquired the York in 1982, and in 1991 an extensive renovation was done. Originally, we intended to turn the large single screen theatre into two auditoriums. Instead it created three auditoriums and saved many of the historic elements of the main auditorium, including the proscenium arch and stage as well as the Spanish-style organ grills. The interior of the theatre was returned to its original Spanish decor. The light fixtures, which had graced the walls of the original theatre were cleaned, re-polished, and now hang in the lobby and two of the smaller auditoriums.
Over the years, the beautiful marquee, long identified with the York, had deteriorated. We re-polished all the stainless steel, replaced porcelain panels and installed new neon. Now its flashing lights are as inviting to moviegoers as they were over 60 years ago.
The final phase of the expansion project was completed in the Spring of 2006, bringing the total number of auditoriums to nine. Outside of auditoriums 7, 8, & 9, you can find Lost Elmhurst in ten art panels. The original works, by local artists, capture Elmhurst's treasures of the past. The Spring of 2006 also saw the installation of a new LED marquee, bringing even more light and life to State Street.
© 2010 State Street Theatre