The Morse Theatre and The Century Public House

Located at 1330 Morse Avenue, the Morse Theatre has been known for many years as the Cobblers Mall. Constructed in 1912 as a 600 seat vaudeville and silent film (nickelodeon) theater, originally called The Morse, the old theater has been witness to many changes, both inside as well as on its namesake street. In the 1930’s the Morse was modernized and re-opened as the Co-Ed Theater, a classic neighborhood movie house. From the mid 1950’s through the mid 70’s the theater was home to Congregation Beth Israel Anshe Yanova. Since the 1970’s the theater space has remained empty, stripped of almost all of its history.

But that is about to change.... 

In the spring of 2008, after undergoing a multi-million dollar total renovation, the Morse Theatre will re-open as a state of the art concert and performance space.
Designed by Thom Greene of Greene & Proppe Design, The Morse Theatre will seat 299 patrons in an intimate concert oriented environment. Rogers Park can expect to see nationally known artists appearing regularly on our stage. The best in Jazz, Blues, Old Time, Bluegrass, Irish, Traditional country and Singer/Songwriters will be featured along with top local Chicago talent. Additionally, we plan to offer live theater, vintage and independent cinema, and a wide range of daytime and weekend children’s educational and cultural programming. 

Adjacent to the theatre space, the Century Public House will offer unpretentious dining with a nod to the historic period of the Morse Theatre building. A classic Chicago pub, The Century will be the place in Rogers Park to meet your neighbors, catch your favorite team in action or enjoy dinner before a concert. 

As well as saving a bit of Rogers Park history, the new Morse Theatre will be a “green” environmental building, and has been certified as a LEEDs qualifying project. The design incorporates many environmentally friendly design and operating features, including a planted “green” roof system. They are proud to be participating in Mayor Daley’s forward looking Green Building Initiative.

Bringing jobs and economic development to Morse Avenue and Rogers Park, The Morse Theatre & The Century Public House are privately funded projects of Rogers Park Entertainment Ventures, inc. Please feel free to follow the progress on the web at www.themorse.com.