The Alvin

Truly lost to obscurity is The Alvin, whose intricately decorated yellow-brick facade has been obscured by years of random signage and neglect.  

Built in 1913 and originally seating 540, the theater was at one time part of the storied Balaban & Katz chain and hung on into the 1970s, but was eventually repurposed as the unpromisingly named “V.I.P. Fashions.”

The building has long been empty, but is supposedly back on the market after years in escrow; perhaps some young cinephile or theater group yet will take one more chance on this forgotten space.