West Ridge Nature Preserve

     West Ridge Nature Preserve or Park 568 is a fairly recent addition to the Chicago Park District.  It was dedicated in 2015.  It is located at 5601 N. Western  Avenue in Chicago.  It consists of 20 acres of restored wood land and a 4.5 acre pond.  There are multiple trails in the preserve.

     The preserve is adjacent to the north west corner Rosehill Cemetery.  At one time, it was part of the cemetery.  It was never developed for burials. It was however used as a dumping ground for debris and dirt.

     In 2011, the Chicago Park District acquired the land.  They hired the Hitchcock  Design Group to create a plan for the park which opened in 2015.It

Pond at West Ridge Preserve


Same as above


Same as above


Same as above


Same as above


Woodlands at West Ridge


Trail at West Ridge


West Ridge Preserve


Pond

The Arcade Theater Fort Myers, Florida

    The Arcade Theater is located in Fort Myers at 2267 First Street.   Originally, it was located between Heitmans Clothing and The Bradford Hotel. The theater was built in 1915 by Harvie Heitman and his brother Gilmer.   It  was originally a vaudeville venue.  In 1917, it was renovated and expanded as a movie theater.  It had one screen and a capacity of approximately 400 seats.  It had a stage for travelling shows, dressing rooms

     It was rebuilt in 1938.  The architect was Roy Benjamin.   The stage was removed, New seats were installed, indoor rest rooms were added.  The movie screen was enlarged to 15 X 19 feet. Air conditioning was installed.  

     In 1977, the theater was used by the Edison Players, the Cape Coral Players, the Actors Repertory Company. 

     Bob Smith purchased the building in 1979.  He attempted to re-establish it as a movie theater.  The acting troups left. 

     The theater closed in July, 1980.  The building suffered from neglect. There was another renovation converting it into a twin theater.  It closed again In 1984.

  In the late 1980’s, the Arcade had fallen into disrepair.  In 1991, there was a benefit with Mikhail Baryishnikov to raise money to restore the theater.  

    The city have the theater to the Florida Repertory Company in 1998.  It grew in popularity under its director Robert Cacciopo

Arcade Theater Building

Arcade Theater Building

Arcade Theater

Arcade Theater

Arcade Theater

Arcade Theater

Arcade Theater Building

Interior Hall Arcade Theater

Esthena Theater Chicago, Il!

    At one time , there was a small movie theater at 3709 North Southport Avenue in Chicago.  It was named The Esthena.  It opened 1913.  It had one screen.  Its capacity was 299 seats.

     It was renamed the Southport in 1923.  It closed later in the same year.  For several years, the old theater building was used by th Crown Liquor Store.  The building was eventually demolished.  During the demolition process, the front sidewalk was torn up.  Underneath, was a marble sidewalk that read Esthena Theater.

Copy of Ad Chicago Herald 1914