South Lawndale’s historic Apollo’s 2000 special events venue would be designated as an official Chicago Landmark under a recommendation introduced to City Council today by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Opened as the Marshall Square Theatre in 1917 at 2875 W. Cermak Road, the twostory, Beaux Arts building originally contained 1,800 seats for vaudeville shows and silent movies, as well as six retail storefronts and second-story office space. In 1989, Javier and Linda Galindos purchased the building and repurposed the auditorium for banquets and live performances.

In recognition of the building’s heritage and architecture, the designation would protect all exterior elevations and rooflines of the building, as well as the interior lobby and auditorium. Interior alterations from the 1990s would be excluded from protection under the ordinance.

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