Portage Theatre

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 .

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……

Here is a nice photo of the Sears store at Six Corners from the 60s.
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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.

brilliant Eponymous1! thanks for this one especially, as this is the venue i’m working with.

Actually, the Portage opened with a 3/20 Moller which was replaced by a 3/8 Wurlitzer in 1927.

Having met both, I can assure you that Mr. Warren’s personality is such that Mr. Wolkowicz is absolutely justified in his decision to keep Mr. Warren chained up in an organ chamber, feeding on a steady diet of gruel and day-old Subway sandwiches, when he’s not accompanying a silent film or making “guest appearances” at horror film fests. But man, can Jay play!

Joe Campanella from CLTV has a great photo gallery from the Silent Film Society of Chicago’s April 26th benefit for the restoration of the Portage’s “new” 1927 Kimball organ:

Photos

I am looking for photos, drawings, ground plans, remembrances etc. of the Henry L. Newhouse Forest Theatre 7526 Madison street, Forest Park, Illinois. I am located in NYC. Thank you.
Craig Jacobs

Sorry, it was B&K, not R&K. My mistake.

Book of the Annual Exhibition of the Chicago Architectural Club By Chicago Architectural Club

My husband and I went to see Svengoolie and a screening of “Son Of Dracula” last night. And we doubt we will EVER come back to the Portage for an event like this again. The audience was extremely ill-behaved during the film. They talked on their cel phones and out loud to one another. They were taking flash photos of the screen and of each other with their cel phone cameras! Kids were running up and down the aisles. People brought crying infants to the movie. Good Gravey—can’t people sit and watch a classic film anymore?

At one point I had considered finding the manager and demanding our money back. The sad thing is that this reflects poorly on the good people who worked hard to make the Portage viable again. And I’m sorry to say this, but this is why home theatre has become so popular!