New 400 Theater Opens at Former Village North Site

Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to report that the New 400 Theater is open under new ownership.  Located at the former site of the Village North Theater at 6746 N. Sheridan Road (at Columbia), the local landmark movie theater has undergone a radical transformation.

The theater, and the building which houses it, was purchased in 2007 by Anthony Fox of CDF Capital.  Mr. Fox restored much of the terra cotta facade and thoroughly renovated the interior with eco-friendly materials.  Mr. Fox installed new screens, curtains and carpeting throughout the premises, along with updated seating and audio-visual equipment.  Additionally, he replaced the concessions area with brand new cabinetry and equipment to create a completely new theater experience.

The theater was named the 400 Theater when it first opened in 1914, but its name was changed to the Village North Theater in the early 1990s.

Mr. Fox initially planned to apply for tax increment financing assistance to subsidize his costs, but later determined he could finance the renovations entirely through private sources.  

Mr. Fox will continue to show new-release movies in all four theaters, but plans also to occasionally show art films and provide some live performances in the largest theater, such as poetry readings, comedy acts,  children's activities and other cultural events.

The building which houses the New 400 is also home to a Starbuck's and a Thai restaurant.  Both businesses will continue to operate.

Beginning Wednesday July 1st, the New 400 Theater will be showing the following movies:

• Public Enemies (4:20, 7:00, 9:40)
• Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (4:45, 6:45, 8:45)
• Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen Star (6:30, 9:30)
• The Hangover (5:30, 7:40, 9:50)

Future show times can be found by calling the New 400 Theater's recorded phone line at 773-856-5980.  A web site will be up soon.

I hope you will join me in welcoming our newest edition to the neighborhood!

Sincerely,

Joe Moore