McHENRY COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION LANDMARK

Elmer Behrns was the architect for El Tovar as well as 8 other theatres in Illinois, including the Miller Theatre in Woodstock. During the 1920’s, the era of Grand Palaces of Theatre when exotic styles were favored, the El Tovar was created in the Spanish Mission style. Much of the façade as well as the interior is still original. Tiles from local businesses, American Terra Cotta as well as Duntile were used on the façade. The mosaic floor was also created from American Terra Cotta tiles. Eight thousand people attended the grand opening in 1929 and the theatre has been an integral part of the community since its inception except for the period of restoration into the Raue Center for the Arts. Elmer Behrns was the architect for El Tovar as well as 8 other theatres in Illinois, including the Miller Theatre in Woodstock. During the 1920’s, the era of Grand Palaces of Theatre when exotic styles were favored, the El Tovar was created in the Spanish Mission style. Much of the façade as well as the interior is still original. Tiles from local businesses, American Terra Cotta as well as Duntile were used on the façade. The mosaic floor was also created from American Terra Cotta tiles. Eight thousand people attended the grand opening in 1929 and the theatre has been an integral part of the community since its inception except for the period of restoration into the Raue Center for the Arts.