Curbed was strolling the streets of Lakeview yesterday, when we noticed what appears to be some routine facade cleaning/repairs going on at the Cinema Lofts at 1635 W Belmont. It piqued our interest in the building, and what pieces might be for sale at the moment. The exquisitely ornate facade belonged to the Belmont Theater, dating to 1926 and one of the grandest in the region with a 3,200+ seating capacity. According to the Cinema Treasures blog, the theater, like most, began as a movie palace with a mix of live entertainment. Soon movies took over, but, waning in the 60s, the building served a stint as a bowling alley before closing in the mid-eighties (just after the shuttering of The Uptown). When this chunk of Lakeview gentrified in the 90s, all but the facade was demolished and replaced by 192 loft condos.
One of several units presently available, we're featuring this 2/1 loft because it photographs well, and because it has a massive private terrace. Ah, the perks of low-floor living. As with other units, the reconstruction by architect DeStefano & Partners introduced large amounts of concrete into the living spaces. This pairs with exposed ducts to achieve an industrial feel, but the hardwood floors temper it a bit. Other notable treats are: 11' ceilings; fireplace; walk-in closet; and doorman service. Listing in October, it's asking $315K.
·Listing: 1635 W Belmont Ave #205 [Baird & Warner]
·Belmont Theater [Cinema Treasures]