Well…to some extent I brought this on myself by calling you a dirt bag. That was certainly not a cool-headed thing to do.
But, the fact that I am not active in restoration activities does not negate my opinion. A man with a string of angry people following him does not end up in that situation for no reason. While it is true that Donald Trump has dealt with his share of legal trouble, I know that the activities of GVI are not even close to being on the same scale of complexity. There is a world of difference between running an international real estate empire and managing one suburban theater.
The nature of your statements makes me suspect that you deal in emotion, rather than logic. If you are interested in defending your reputation, why don’t you post a list of your successful theater renovation projects…with references (names and phone numbers). Certainly if there is substance behind your sales pitch, that should not be a problem.
By the way, it doesn’t appear to me that your comments are being sanitized. It looks to me like you are being allowed to speak your peace.
What does any of this one theater stuff matter, Paul? You have been fired. Your office contains a stack of soft drinks now. Furthermore, I am more likely to believe several paragraphs of events presented along a timeline that can be verified than your vague accusations (stated in an inflammatory manner) based on conceptual differences.
I know that Paul has been involved with the Portage, the Uptown, and the Wheaton. None of these projects went anywhere, and there seems to be a string of accusations, some of which have escalated to the point where the judiciary system was involved.
Paul is good salesman…enthusiastic and intelligent. I have observed that a good salesman can usually create another opportunity, even if the previous one was a dismal affair.
I would be cautious, Patsy. I really can’t say anything for certain. But the information has piled up to the point where I would conduct extensive due diligence before becoming financially involved with this gentleman.
I thought you had a pretty good thing going out there, Paul. I am sorry that your intentions now appear to be dubious.
That’s about what I thought. I went to the Uptown once in the 90’s. Has Loews closed all of their palaces? If so, it is too bad that they did not save one as a show place. Unfortunately, accountants and managers often don’t see the value of such things.
I am almost certain that the Plaza operated into the 90’s. What a dump…it very well might be the worst theater ever built in Chicago. I know that Cineplex Odeon was the last to run the Plaza, and it was Cineplex (not Plitt) that built the new Lincoln Village Cinemas across the street. The K-Mart went out when K-Mart went through bankruptcy recently. The newer Lincon Village Cinemas are now the only theater left at that corner.
I remember walking by the Woods when that last movie was on the marquee, on my way to Marshall Fields one day. What you fail to mention is that it was a double feature with, “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka”. While I am a fan of the Wayans Family, I suspect that could be called a fall from grace. I find it interesting that the relatively small Woods and United Artists Theaters were demolished, while the significantly larger Oriental and Palace Theaters were refurbished. I am grateful that the later two are still around, but I often wonder if the former wouldn’t have been more viable. The Woods even seemed to still have a working stage at the time it closed. One more thing…it passed to Cineplex from Plitt. I believe the entire Plitt chain passed to Cineplex.
My mother and her brothers saw films at the Wilmette as children. My father was a project manager for EB during the time you speak of. He recalls working on film production in the Wilmette Theater when all the seats were removed. There were EB offices in a building around the corner on Wilmette Ave, which was also a theater at one time long ago (that building is also still there). You lived there in ‘55 Paul. You might even remember the electric train that used to run down Greenleaf Avenue a short distance away. I remember seeing Pulp Fiction at the Wilmette with a bunch of teenage friends after it had been twinned (in the 90’s). There was still some decoration at that time…it wasn’t quite down to concrete walls in the auditorium. Amazing how that building has spanned the generations.
What a fabulous discussion. My mother, Carolyn Rapp, grew up on the North Shore & went to the Teatro. My uncle Bill tells me that he played on that lot on the border with Kenilworth. But, by the time I came around No Man’s Land was much less exciting…basically a row of apartments. One of them has an old-fashioned entrance that I believe once led to the ruins you speak of. I actually worked at that Jewel in high school. The thing that blows me away is that Leo was still at the Linden Avenue El station into the 90’s…still hassling the kids about magazines. He moved into a new retail stall when they rebuilt the El terminal building, but disappeared soon after that. I imagine he must be gone now…rest his soul.
Oh my god. That is awful. Going by the information posted by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, it looks like there are three outstanding judgments against this guy, from three plaintiffs, worth a total of about $10,000. And to think…I made comments supporting this dirt bag.
As I was driving up Western Ave recently, I noticed a protective walkway in front of the Nortown. Don’t know if they are getting ready to tear it down, getting ready to maintain it, or just protecting people from falling building fragments. Don’t know how much it matters at this point, as the building sounds thoroughly neglected.
I would love to throw my efforts behind your cause. But, I am currently President of my high school alumni association, Captain of our league basketball team, and bass player for a local rock group…all of this on top of a demanding job. Offering you my help would be an empty gesture, as I would probably never follow through on anything in a timely manner.
That being said, you mentioned writing a letter. I can certainly accomplish that at some point in the coming month. Who would I send it to?
You made reference to people at a distance. I think anybody who is willing to help can help. I am in Chicago. But, if I had the time to contribute, you would be well aware of my efforts. Being halfway across the country is no excuse for not lending a hand!
Last, I think it is critical to incorporate. How can you gather funds if you are not official? What are you going to tell people? “Yes…the money is being held in a savings account with my name on it.” I don’t think that incorporating is a terribly painful process. Jim seems familiar. Perhaps he would volunteer to fill out the initial paperwork.
Life’s too short to spend talking about things without intelligent action! Let’s get moving!
It appears that I gave you an undeserved tongue lashing, Bruce.
I did not read all of Jim Rankin’s message about creating a 501c3. But, that seems like an good step to take. Why not do this? I have never created a business entity myself. But, the impression I get is that it is a matter of filing some forms…maybe paying a small fee or two to the government.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I’ll bet most people who walk by those stores don’t realize that there is a great theater above them. I don’t hold out too much hope. But, if the Oriental (in Chicago) can come back to life after years as a retail store, so can the Varsity.
Guys, I am going to get on your case. Stop making comments on this web site, and start doing something! Put a name on your organization, set a meeting time and don’t quit. If you are consistent in your effort, you will achieve progress. Are you afraid of failure? Failure is the best teacher. Don’t believe you can do it? Anyone can accomplish their goals if they keep trying. I firmly believe that buildings like this can once again become centers of the community. There is no doubt that you can create a viable organization and generate enthusiasm! Bruce…you seem to be the ringleader here. Set up a regular meeting at a regular location, and go. Even if you are the only one attending, it is a start. I play league basketball on Tuesdays. Once in a while we are short-handed at the beginning of an early game, because of work schedules. We don’t forfeit the game when we have to play five on four…we go out there and play our guts out. You are short-handed right now. Go and play your guts out!
Ray…this plan seems to satisfy all interested parties. What axe is left to grind at this point?
Paul…as I understand it the building has been stripped of all systems…wiring, ventiliation, etc. If this is the case, it would be difficult to stage community rock concerts and the like.
Bruce is right. If I were in NYC and had free time, I would step up. People can accomplish amazing things if they band together, settle on a goal, and keep trying.
Why don’t you take the first step: set a time and place for an initial planning meeting?
The real question is: who is Vincente Fernandez?!?! I would say the theater had this name out front around 1988.
A toll booth…that’s funny. The government cracks me up! I wonder what the official justification was for doing that.
Vincente Fernandez was the name on the marquee, actually.
Well…to some extent I brought this on myself by calling you a dirt bag. That was certainly not a cool-headed thing to do.
But, the fact that I am not active in restoration activities does not negate my opinion. A man with a string of angry people following him does not end up in that situation for no reason. While it is true that Donald Trump has dealt with his share of legal trouble, I know that the activities of GVI are not even close to being on the same scale of complexity. There is a world of difference between running an international real estate empire and managing one suburban theater.
The nature of your statements makes me suspect that you deal in emotion, rather than logic. If you are interested in defending your reputation, why don’t you post a list of your successful theater renovation projects…with references (names and phone numbers). Certainly if there is substance behind your sales pitch, that should not be a problem.
By the way, it doesn’t appear to me that your comments are being sanitized. It looks to me like you are being allowed to speak your peace.
What does any of this one theater stuff matter, Paul? You have been fired. Your office contains a stack of soft drinks now. Furthermore, I am more likely to believe several paragraphs of events presented along a timeline that can be verified than your vague accusations (stated in an inflammatory manner) based on conceptual differences.
I know that Paul has been involved with the Portage, the Uptown, and the Wheaton. None of these projects went anywhere, and there seems to be a string of accusations, some of which have escalated to the point where the judiciary system was involved.
Paul is good salesman…enthusiastic and intelligent. I have observed that a good salesman can usually create another opportunity, even if the previous one was a dismal affair.
I would be cautious, Patsy. I really can’t say anything for certain. But the information has piled up to the point where I would conduct extensive due diligence before becoming financially involved with this gentleman.
I thought you had a pretty good thing going out there, Paul. I am sorry that your intentions now appear to be dubious.
That’s about what I thought. I went to the Uptown once in the 90’s. Has Loews closed all of their palaces? If so, it is too bad that they did not save one as a show place. Unfortunately, accountants and managers often don’t see the value of such things.
I am almost certain that the Plaza operated into the 90’s. What a dump…it very well might be the worst theater ever built in Chicago. I know that Cineplex Odeon was the last to run the Plaza, and it was Cineplex (not Plitt) that built the new Lincoln Village Cinemas across the street. The K-Mart went out when K-Mart went through bankruptcy recently. The newer Lincon Village Cinemas are now the only theater left at that corner.
Did I mention that the Plaza was a dump?
I remember walking by the Woods when that last movie was on the marquee, on my way to Marshall Fields one day. What you fail to mention is that it was a double feature with, “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka”. While I am a fan of the Wayans Family, I suspect that could be called a fall from grace. I find it interesting that the relatively small Woods and United Artists Theaters were demolished, while the significantly larger Oriental and Palace Theaters were refurbished. I am grateful that the later two are still around, but I often wonder if the former wouldn’t have been more viable. The Woods even seemed to still have a working stage at the time it closed. One more thing…it passed to Cineplex from Plitt. I believe the entire Plitt chain passed to Cineplex.
My mother and her brothers saw films at the Wilmette as children. My father was a project manager for EB during the time you speak of. He recalls working on film production in the Wilmette Theater when all the seats were removed. There were EB offices in a building around the corner on Wilmette Ave, which was also a theater at one time long ago (that building is also still there). You lived there in ‘55 Paul. You might even remember the electric train that used to run down Greenleaf Avenue a short distance away. I remember seeing Pulp Fiction at the Wilmette with a bunch of teenage friends after it had been twinned (in the 90’s). There was still some decoration at that time…it wasn’t quite down to concrete walls in the auditorium. Amazing how that building has spanned the generations.
What a fabulous discussion. My mother, Carolyn Rapp, grew up on the North Shore & went to the Teatro. My uncle Bill tells me that he played on that lot on the border with Kenilworth. But, by the time I came around No Man’s Land was much less exciting…basically a row of apartments. One of them has an old-fashioned entrance that I believe once led to the ruins you speak of. I actually worked at that Jewel in high school. The thing that blows me away is that Leo was still at the Linden Avenue El station into the 90’s…still hassling the kids about magazines. He moved into a new retail stall when they rebuilt the El terminal building, but disappeared soon after that. I imagine he must be gone now…rest his soul.
Oh my god. That is awful. Going by the information posted by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, it looks like there are three outstanding judgments against this guy, from three plaintiffs, worth a total of about $10,000. And to think…I made comments supporting this dirt bag.
Another great picture.
As I was driving up Western Ave recently, I noticed a protective walkway in front of the Nortown. Don’t know if they are getting ready to tear it down, getting ready to maintain it, or just protecting people from falling building fragments. Don’t know how much it matters at this point, as the building sounds thoroughly neglected.
I am reasonably certain that I saw ads for the Avon well into the 80’s. This is vague recollection…but I think the ads went away around ‘83-'84.
From the look of the building, it wasn’t a very lavish cinema.
Isn’t the Uptown deco? Wouldn’t a fixture from a 20’s movie palace look kind of strange in these surroundings?
Who would have thought theater enthusiasts would ever mourn the passing of buildings built in this era? I agree with you guys. It was a great place.
Bruce,
I would love to throw my efforts behind your cause. But, I am currently President of my high school alumni association, Captain of our league basketball team, and bass player for a local rock group…all of this on top of a demanding job. Offering you my help would be an empty gesture, as I would probably never follow through on anything in a timely manner.
That being said, you mentioned writing a letter. I can certainly accomplish that at some point in the coming month. Who would I send it to?
You made reference to people at a distance. I think anybody who is willing to help can help. I am in Chicago. But, if I had the time to contribute, you would be well aware of my efforts. Being halfway across the country is no excuse for not lending a hand!
Last, I think it is critical to incorporate. How can you gather funds if you are not official? What are you going to tell people? “Yes…the money is being held in a savings account with my name on it.” I don’t think that incorporating is a terribly painful process. Jim seems familiar. Perhaps he would volunteer to fill out the initial paperwork.
Life’s too short to spend talking about things without intelligent action! Let’s get moving!
Best regards,
Eric Ellis
It appears that I gave you an undeserved tongue lashing, Bruce.
I did not read all of Jim Rankin’s message about creating a 501c3. But, that seems like an good step to take. Why not do this? I have never created a business entity myself. But, the impression I get is that it is a matter of filing some forms…maybe paying a small fee or two to the government.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I’ll bet most people who walk by those stores don’t realize that there is a great theater above them. I don’t hold out too much hope. But, if the Oriental (in Chicago) can come back to life after years as a retail store, so can the Varsity.
Guys, I am going to get on your case. Stop making comments on this web site, and start doing something! Put a name on your organization, set a meeting time and don’t quit. If you are consistent in your effort, you will achieve progress. Are you afraid of failure? Failure is the best teacher. Don’t believe you can do it? Anyone can accomplish their goals if they keep trying. I firmly believe that buildings like this can once again become centers of the community. There is no doubt that you can create a viable organization and generate enthusiasm! Bruce…you seem to be the ringleader here. Set up a regular meeting at a regular location, and go. Even if you are the only one attending, it is a start. I play league basketball on Tuesdays. Once in a while we are short-handed at the beginning of an early game, because of work schedules. We don’t forfeit the game when we have to play five on four…we go out there and play our guts out. You are short-handed right now. Go and play your guts out!
I see there is still an axe to grind.
Bryan…is the bad condition due to unfortunate building renovations, deferred repairs, both?
Ray…this plan seems to satisfy all interested parties. What axe is left to grind at this point?
Paul…as I understand it the building has been stripped of all systems…wiring, ventiliation, etc. If this is the case, it would be difficult to stage community rock concerts and the like.
What is this condo plan mentioned in the news article? I am not clear on what parts of the Dupage Theater will continue to exist.
Bruce is right. If I were in NYC and had free time, I would step up. People can accomplish amazing things if they band together, settle on a goal, and keep trying.
Why don’t you take the first step: set a time and place for an initial planning meeting?
You are on the money Bruce. Taking action is always the tough part…especially when you are unfamiliar with what is required.