AMC River East 21, a major cinema located at 322 E. Illinois St. in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, is preparing to introduce IMAX technology to its facility. According to city building permit records, the theater has initiated plans to upgrade one of its existing auditoriums to accommodate the immersive large-format system.
This development addresses a notable gap in the downtown cinematic landscape. While Chicago currently hosts IMAX-equipped theaters at the AMC Roosevelt Collection in the South Loop and Regal City North near the Bucktown-Logan Square border, neither is located within the immediate downtown commercial district. By bringing the technology to Streeterville, AMC aims to provide local residents and tourists with more convenient access to premium large-format screenings.
Despite the filing of permits, the project remains in its early stages. NBC Chicago reported that the company has not yet released a formal completion timeline or specific details regarding the technical specifications of the installation. A primary point of interest for local cinephiles is whether the new auditorium will support 70mm film projection, a format highly valued for its high resolution and historical significance in prestige filmmaking.
The expansion represents a significant investment in downtown entertainment infrastructure. As the project moves from permitting to construction, observers are waiting for official confirmation from AMC regarding the scope of the renovation and the projected opening date for the new auditorium.