Merle Reskin Theatre

Merle Reskin Theatre is a historic 1,325-seat playhouse in Chicago’s South Loop, originally opened as the Blackstone Theatre in 1910 and now owned by DePaul University. Today it hosts university productions, family-friendly shows, and visiting performances, drawing students, locals, and out-of-town visitors to its Balbo Drive location just off Michigan Avenue and close to Grant Park, where downtown traffic can be busy, especially around showtimes and rush hours.

Because the theatre sits in a dense part of the Loop with limited metered street parking, spots can be hard to find, often restricted by time limits and active meter enforcement, making it risky to rely on finding a space right before a performance. There is no on-site parking garage at the theatre itself, so planning parking near Merle Reskin Theatre in advance helps avoid circling crowded blocks and reduces stress when arriving for a show. Booking a secure off-street space ahead of time is especially helpful during evenings and weekends when nearby attractions and hotels add to demand, and visitors should always review the latest local parking rules and official resources before driving in.