In 2008, the owner of the Studebaker hired Daniel P. Coffey, Chicago's premiere theatre architect, to draft plans for a restoration of the theatre.
The theatre started showing films in the 1930s in addition to stage plays. In the 1950s, it switched completely over to film. In the 80s, it was divided for two screens and in the 90s, it was divided again for four screens. In finally closed in 2000.