Portage Theater
4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60641
35 people
favorited this theater
Showing 201 - 212 of 212 comments found
I saw a movie here in the 90’s. It was a dump while it was still running…smelling, dark, musty, dirty. No vintage decoration remaining, that I could see. It sounds like it has gotten worse. Is this place really worth the effort? Why not put energy toward the Patio…not far away. That’s a bona-fide movie palace, with one screen, in great shape, and an uncertain future.
Preservation efforts should be focused and intelligent. Battles must be chosen wisely. The Gateway is down Milwaukee Avenue a few blocks…a functioning vintage screen in great shape. How many old theaters can Jefferson Park support, and how many millions would it take to fix the Portage up? Chicago preservationists have more important things to worry about…the Uptown, the New Regal, the Patio, the Ramova. The best remaining part of the Portage is the exterior. I wouldn’t think twice if CVS dropped a drug store inside the auditorium.
The old Portage is a mess inside. A church that rented it left is a disaster. Both screens are down. What project are you working on? Ask to see it first! Call the Jenny the building manager. Her phone number is on a note in the window of the theatre. You should be able to rent it for a few hundred a day. Make sure you have an insurance certificate. If you have trouble, e-mail me.
Does anyone know what it will cost to rent out the theatre for 2 days?If someone could help that would be great!
Magnum is the security company that rents space in the store to the south of the theatre. I know that a church had a lease but messed up with the zoning. It appears the old landlords took back the theatre as Perl is listed on the title of the building.
Just drove by the Portage Park yesterday and noted that inside the doors of the Portage Park hangs a sign for Goldberg and Perl Inc, (773-477-9700), advertising the theatre is for lease.
A bit more curious is the marquee stating “THIS SIGN IS FOR RENT” and also “MAGNUM SECURITY 773 205 7700” — see a photo while it is still on Magnum’s website at: http://www.magnumsi.com/images/employment.jpg
What the heck?
I drove by the Portage theatre on May 22,2004 and it’s definitely not open for business.
As I understand it, plans to reopen the theatre are currently on hold, with no anticipated reopening date. However, if you’d like to get the latest news regarding the theatre, add your name to the mailing list at the following webpage: http://www.portagetheater.com
I tried calling 773-202-1010, and there was no connection. Is the theater still open? I’m hoping the 6-corners can be revitalized into what Lincoln Square has become. With the influx of new home building in Portage, and Irving Park, there is no reason why this area couldn’t support such a reatail/entertainment area. I know my neighbors, and myself, are tired of having to leave our neighborhood to shop (books, clothes, music, housewares, think Crate and Barrel) dine, Chipotle Grille? and entertainment. Living in the city should afford the opportunity to walk to such amenities.
I support you Paul!!!!
Keep the beauty of this theatre alive!!!
Good luck with the city!!!
God bless you and our neighborhood treasure!
It’s the only thing we have left….(so to speak)
Good Luck Paul!!!
Thank you!
I am the new owner of the Portage Park Theatre. We opened on October 23, 2003 with an original Murder Mystery called,‘ Murder at the Poratge Casino!“ We are showing American Cinema Classics on the silver screen. Our first film was "Gone With the Wind.” Call (773) 202-1010 for information and showtimes.
The Portage is in fact closed, per the Portage Park Chamber of Commerce, but there currently is talk of reopening it in the near future as a performing arts venue and/or recording studio. Its exterior has recently been cleaned up, long-unused lighting fixtures relit, making it look nicer than it’s looked for years (at least outside).
The Portage Theater in Chicago is not closed down; it is still in operation.