A last look inside Old Town’s demolished Noble Horse Theatre and Stables

The site of the former equestrian facility will be redeveloped into new apartments

By Jay Koziarz Jun 23, 2017, 10:29am CDT

Chicago’s last downtown equestrian facility finally bit the dust last month. Dating back to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the former Noble Horse Theatre and Stables at 1410 N. Orleans was once home to a riding school, stables for downtown carriage operators, and stadium-style exhibition space for horse shows. Following a suspicious arson attack two years ago, the Old Town facility was boarded up and eventually sold to a developer.

Though the structure is now gone, urban explorer and Curbed Flickr pool contributor Nitram242 documented the eerie scene last month. The photographer even managed to capture the former bow truss riding hall open to the elements in the midst of demolition.

The site is slated to be replaced by a new transit-oriented ~~apartment~~ condo development. Known as Equis of Old Town, the two-building project from LG Development and architecture firm NORR will feature 175 for-sale dwelling units. With the site now cleared and graded, the upcoming project is awaiting final approvals and a construction permit.