Chicago's South Loop felt a little quieter when the news broke. For fifteen years, the Showplace ICON at Roosevelt Collection wasn't just a place to catch a flick; it was a vibe. You’d walk into that lobby, see the skyline through those massive windows, and feel like you’d actually arrived somewhere.
Then, it just stopped.
The abrupt closure in mid-2024 left a lot of people holding useless rewards points and wondering what happened to the best seats in the city. If you’re looking for Showplace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON X photos, you’re likely chasing a bit of nostalgia or trying to figure out if that massive screen is still worth the trip now that the logo on the door has changed.
The ICON X Experience: More Than Just a Big Screen
Basically, ICON X was Kerasotes’ answer to IMAX, but with a bit more focus on the "luxe" side of things. It wasn't just about the size. It was about the tech stack. We're talking 4K laser projection that made colors pop in a way standard digital just couldn't touch.
Most people remember the sound.
The ICON X rooms were outfitted with Dolby Atmos, packing nearly 60 speakers into a single auditorium. When a jet flew overhead on screen, you didn't just hear it; you felt the air move. It was 100,000 watts of audio power that made your popcorn jump in the bucket. Honestly, for many South Loop residents, the ICON X was the only way to watch a blockbuster like Dune or Oppenheimer.
The photos of these auditoriums usually highlight the steep stadium seating. Because the rake was so aggressive, you never had to worry about a tall hat or a bobbing head blocking your view. It was pure, unobstructed sightlines.
Why Everyone Obsessed Over the VIP Level
Let's be real: the real reason this theater stayed legendary was the upstairs.
The 21+ VIP section was a game-changer. You’d go up there, grab a real cocktail—not some sugary premixed thing in a plastic cup—and sit in those red leather loungers. They had these swivel tables that made eating actual food (not just candy) possible without making a total mess of yourself.
- The Bacon Popcorn: If you know, you know. It was greasy, salty, and totally addictive.
- The View: The Lobby Lounge had one of the most underrated views of the Chicago skyline.
- The Peace: No teenagers. No glowing phone screens every five minutes. Just adults watching movies.
It was a sanctuary. People loved it because it treated cinema like an event again, rather than just a way to kill two hours on a Tuesday.
The Reality of the Closure
So, why did it disappear? It wasn't just a Chicago thing. Kerasotes, the parent company that had been around for over a century, basically wound down its entire ICON brand nationally. From San Jose to Secaucus, the lights went out.
Local fans noticed the decline before the end.
Reports of "sticky floors" and broken recliners started popping up in reviews. Some guests mentioned that the once-spotless lounge started feeling a bit "tired." When you're charging premium prices, you have to deliver a premium experience, and the maintenance seemed to slip as the company prepared for the exit.
What’s There Now?
If you head to 1011 S. Delano Court today, you won’t see the ICON logo. AMC Theatres officially took over the lease.
They’ve rebranded it as the AMC Roosevelt Collection 16.
Is it the same? Kinda. AMC brought in their own staples, like the MacGuffins Bar and their signature power recliners. The good news is that the massive ICON X screens didn't shrink. AMC has integrated them into their own premium formats. Plus, if you’re an A-List member, you can finally use your subscription at this location, which was a major sticking point for people who loved the building but hated the old ICON rewards system.
Actionable Tips for Visiting the New Space
If you’re planning a trip to the "new" version of this iconic spot, here is the ground truth for 2026:
- Validate Your Parking: This is the big one. The Roosevelt Collection garage is convenient but pricey. Make sure you get your ticket scanned at the theater to save a massive headache (and twenty bucks).
- Check the Screen Format: If you want that ICON X feel, look for the "Prime at AMC" or "Dolby Cinema" listings. Those are the auditoriums that retained the high-end audio and projection tech.
- The VIP Vibe is Different: AMC's MacGuffins is a solid bar, but it doesn't quite have that "exclusive lounge" feel that the old ICON VIP area had. Adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Use the App: Since the transition, the kiosks can get crowded. Booking on the app is basically mandatory if you want to skip the line for the "good" seats in the center of the row.
The era of the Showplace ICON is over, but the building remains the best place in the South Loop to see a movie. It’s just under new management now.
To make the most of your next visit, check the AMC app specifically for "Dolby Cinema" showtimes at the Roosevelt 16 location to ensure you’re getting the premium audio experience that originally made the ICON X famous.