Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

A concert hall and movie palace in Waukegan, Illinois, the Genesee Theatre is one of the most notable landmarks in the city. With a rich history and current ability to seat over 2,400 patrons, Genesee Theatre has been instrumental in the city’s growth. The theater hosts musical artists and shows. More contemporary uses of the space have included the shooting of the music videos “Donk” by Soulja Boy and “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” by Morrissey, both of which featured past performances of the artists at the theatre. 

The History of Genesee Theatre

From its inception, Genesee Theatre was created to stand out. There were three other Waukegan at the time Genesee was erected. A.L. Brumund, H.C. Burnett, and D.T. Webb purchased land from the Y.M.C.A. for $130,000 with the vision to create a community center in Waukegan that provided high-quality entertainment, commercial, and living spaces.

With more than $1 million initially invested in the theater, Genesee soon became a symbol of luxury. A renowned Chicago contractor and architect were hired to construct Genesee. Terra cotta lined the outside façade of the building. Builders tirelessly added pressed brick in ornate designs to the outside. Builders added beautiful limestone, Carrera marble, hammered silver, and more than 1,200 yards of tapestry fabric to make the interior a stunning display of opulence just a few miles from Old Chicago.

The theatre opened on Christmas day in 1927 with four sold out shows, including The Valley of the Giants. Over the last century, the theatre has experienced its share of renovations, including a new sound system, seats, and décor. After the theatre stopped operations for several years, the City of Waukegan purchased the building. It renovated the building and restored it to its former glory with a reproduced marquee, décor, and plaster walls. The three upper floors were torn down and transformed into lounges for theatre use.

Genesee has retained its historic integrity throughout time and is one of the most quintessential landmarks in Waukegan.

You can see what’s showing and purchase tickets at the Genesee Theatre box office. 

Directions and Access to Genesee Theatre 

The Genesee Theatre is located just north of the College of Lake County – Lakeshore Campus and the Lake County Courthouse. It is accessible via subway, bus, and car. 

How to Get to Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

The Genesee Theatre is located at 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, less than a quarter-mile away from the Waukegan office location of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Our office is located at 218 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Waukegan, Illinois 60085.

Here are the directions to get to our office:

From the Genesee Theatre, head west onto W. Clayton St. toward N. Genesee St. 

Turn right onto N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. 

Our office will be on the left.

Contact us if you have any problems finding our office or would like a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case.