Portage Theater
4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
35 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 50 of 212 comments found
“There MUST be separation between church and cinema!!!”
Absolutely Tim. Another storefront church will NOT benefit Chicago.
Nor will it benefit the redevelopment of the Six Corners area. I was hoping that with the revival of the Portage Theatre, some new restauarants would open. There’s still no good place to eat around this theatre and the presence of a church would hinder restaurants from opening. You can’t get a liquor license within a certain distance of a church in Chicago.
Henry L. Newhouse should be removed as architect. Lindley Phelps Rowe was architect and firm was Fridstein & Co.
Preliminary landmark status means that any permit filed in the preliminary period is subject to review by Landmarks. Generally it means nothing can be altered in the period of consideration, which can last up to a year. This does not mean that final designation will protect the facade, lobby, and auditorium. Indeed, the Village Art (Germania) and Biograph both are landmarked but nothing past the facade is protected.
DEFG it is too late for the Church to move in Landmark status is going to the Portage theatre so alterations of the theatre space cannot be altered nore the lobby or facade can be touched.
There MUST be separation between church and cinema!!!
DON’T LET THIS BEAUTIFUL THEATRE LET A CHURCH TAKE OVER AND DESTROY OUR ENTERTAINMENT AND THEATRE!!! MUST BE SAVED!!!
This article in TimeOut Chicago talks about the rally last night at the Portage to save the theater.
The pastor of the church that wants to move into the Portage speaks out in the Chicagoist
An article from today’s Chicago Tribune.
http://www.facebook.com/SaveThePortageTheater
We must endeavor to persevere.
A church might preserve the building somewhat, but it also removes the property from the tax rolls. Not a smart idea for a city that needs all the revenue it can get.
Historic Portage Theater’s Future is Threatened by Ald. John Arena In September 2011, I was approached by the leadership of the Chicago Tabernacle seeking my support for the conversion of the Portage Theater to a church. I offered to have them present their plan to my office and follow the established zoning review process. Declining, they asked that I weigh in before they invested time and money in pursuing a building use that I might oppose. After consulting the Six Corners Association and local community groups, I issued a letter opposing the requested use but made it clear that we would welcome the congregation to our community. I directed them to alternate locations that might suit their needs.
Despite my letter, Chicago Tabernacle continued to pursue the purchase of the building. To date, we have not received the documents needed to begin our full zoning review process. We learned last week that they intended to file with the Department of Zoning for a special use permit allowing them to operate the historic Portage Theater as a church. Yesterday, the permit notification was posted per city code.
I also requested and received from the Department of Zoning the changes proposed for the theater. They are extensive. Chicago Tabernacle plans to remove the theater marquee, eliminate of more than half of the apartments in the building and evict of many established businesses in the storefronts. They also propose interior changes that could significantly impact the character of this historic theater.
Let me say loud and clear that I am not opposed to the church moving into our community. I will continue to seek a resolution that benefits both Chicago Tabernacle and our community.
The loss of this historic icon in the heart of the Six Corners Shopping District would reverse years of planning and development. The historic Portage Theater can serve as an economic engine for that area. As we prepare to present our case to the Zoning Board of Appeals, I ask that you share your thoughts by emailing .
A 1940 photo of the Portage Theater can be seen here. I wish that vertical sign was still around but I think that was gone already when I started going to the Portage as a little boy in the early 70s.
totally support the Historic Portage Theater! the staff is awesomely helpful! made our wedding an uber-success!
THEY NOW HAVE ONCE A MONTH MONSTER CLASSIC MOVIES PLUS A TOY AND MONSTER SHOW IN THE LOBBY…..THE DEALERS AND PEOPLE THERE ARE REALY COOL …GO TO THE PORTAGE WEBSITE AND SEE THE COOL LINE FOR THIS MONTH.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU MONSTER FANS……
anyone happen to know the name of the font used in the sign? i’ve seen it used in a recent flyer, but have not been able to i.d. it myself, or been able to contact Dennis about it.
Here is a nice photo of the Sears store at Six Corners from the 60s.
View link
View link
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/yzvu3zz
Actually, the organ in the youtube video is the Silent Film Society of Chicago’s Allen electronic organ (now used as a traveling organ). Due to a “cultural climate change” at the Gateway (Copernicus Center) the organ was covered over by a stage extension making it unplayed and unplayable for nearly five years until its rescue by society volunteers. The organ is now at the Portage.
The gateways organ came here right?
Heres a video
View link
Sure thing Paul2. Let me know if you have any others, I only came across your posts for here and MB.
brilliant Eponymous1! thanks for this one especially, as this is the venue i’m working with.
Paul2: Better late then never I hope. According to that day’s Tribune it was “King of Jazz” with Paul Whiteman along with something called the Million-Dollar Fashion Review.
Actually, the Portage opened with a 3/20 Moller which was replaced by a 3/8 Wurlitzer in 1927.
A 3m Wurlitzer] was installed in the theatre in 1920