South Lawndale’s historic Apollo’s 2000 special events venue was designated an official Chicago Landmark by City Council today.

Opened as the Marshall Square Theatre in 1917 at 2875 W. Cermak Road, the two-story 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 landmark designation protects all exterior elevations and rooflines, as well as the interior lobby and auditorium. Interior alterations from the 1990s are excluded from protection under the ordinance.

The designation was recommended by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in February 2024.