Pictured from left to right: Classic Cinemas Owners Chris, Shirley and Willis Johnson.  (Picture courtesy of: Tom Tibia)

The Classic Cinemas chain of movie theatres and its owners, Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson, were recognized with a “2011 Stewardship Award” on Saturday, October 29, during a ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago.  The award, presented by Landmarks Illinois is part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards, which honors individuals, organizations and projects throughout the state that represent excellence in historic preservation.

“The work of the Johnsons in restoring their historic theatres is a testament to the deep commitment of preservationists across the state,” said Jim Peters, president of Landmarks Illinois.

The Classic Cinemas chain of theatres began in 1976 when husband and wife, Willis and Shirley Johnson purchased the then-deteriorating Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove (1928). Since that time the Johnsons have been joined by their son Chris in purchasing and restoring six of their theatres located in the suburbs of Chicago and Northern Illinois. Among their theatres are the Lindo in Freeport (1921), the Lake in Oak Park (1936), the Paramount in Kankakee (1931), as well as the York in Elmhurst (1924). The York Theatre is also home to the Theatre Historical Society of America.

Other winners around the state and their awards were:

·         Ancel House, Glencoe—Restoration

·         Champaign County Courthouse, Urbana—Reconstruction

·         Clayville Restoration Project, Pleasant Plains—Advocacy

·         Jay and Mary Matson, Galesburg—President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement

·         Municipal Center River Wall and Plaza, St. Charles—Restoration

·         Parkside Apartments, Kewanee—Adaptive Use

·         Scully Building, Lincoln—Rehabilitation

·         Sullivan Center, Chicago—Project of the Year for Restoration

Since 1994, Landmarks Illinois has been assisted by a generous grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to honor those whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation and inspire others to take action to preserve, protect and promote historic resources throughout Illinois.

The award itself is a small-scale replica of the entrance arch and a portion of the Trading Room from Louis Sullivan’s Chicago Stock Exchange building, which was demolished in 1972. The fight to save this important part of Chicago’s built environment led to the founding of Landmarks Illinois in 1971. In addition, winners received a $500 cash award.

The award jury consisted of: Jean Follett, Historic Preservation Consultant, Hinsdale; Allison Garwood Freedland, AIA, Chicago; Allen Johnson, MacRostie Historic Advisors LLC, Chicago; Michael Lambert, ARRIS Architects + Planners, Plainfield; and Hank Norris, Brinkoetter & Associates Realtors, Decatur.