Correction, John. We were not hired. Our company was retained. We work for ourselves in several theatres and wear many hats. Our contracts range from programming to restoration, from management to operations. We also do parking, commercial leases, historic tax credit work, fundraising and real estate development. The Wheaton is but one star in the firmament of great theatres!
Again here is a great example of how a community (even an e-mail one like here), can save an old theatre. A combination of movies, live theatre, murder mysteries and yes, auctions! I love the theatre business!
Does anyone in Boise know if a “Murder at the Egyptian” would be a hit as a benefit to the Theatre? I write original murder mysteries for old movie palaces if anyone else is interested. Paul (630) 221-0667
What does a “summer community movie house” mean? Are we referring to a summer resort town that shows movies to the seasonals and not to the locals? Most theatres must be operated year round to be successful unless one has a generous patron who supports said theatre through the winter months! Oh, for the days of Mom and Pop theatres… am I the last man standing?
You can call my company. We do theatre searches, purchase agreements, financing, sales, marketing, board development, board recruiting, head hunting, hiring, restoration, strategic planning, programming and consulting for all size theatres the US and Europe and we always return calls. Grande Venues, Inc. (630) 221-0667
N Visible Man you have identified the solutions for a successful restroation/renovation for the Uptown: multiple income streams, a strong and experienced management team, solid financing, lucrative and appropriate naming rights, use of historic tax credits, TIF funding and strong popular support! Many of us have worked on the Uptown project and look forward to a new group who might take us forward. I always stand by ready to work on the proejct with whomever can help restore it to its former glory!
News flash… some studios are now looking at independent cinemas that do not show first run films as “candidates for limited digital licenses.” This would allow small cinemas to use digital projection to show old movies to the public under special licensing agreements. FINALLY the digital age might have arrived for movies in a small way. Stay tuned!
A receiver/developer for the Uptown? Man oh man is THAT a conflict of interest! Controversy is written all over it but Mr. Holsten is a good man. I met him over a year ago and he does have the best interest of Uptown in mind. Let’s hope he calls a summit and gathers all those who wish to participate in one room to get the place open again! It can be done. Let’s work together!
Elizabeth: Great questions. Alderman Levar was absolutely NO help to us with the Portage Park Theatre. He did not facilitate the departments of the city (health, building, fire, etc.) and would NOT sign off on a generator that is needed now for all PPAs (Public Places of Amusement.) By the way, there are great secret rooms and a magnificent old vaudeville proscenium hidden behind the movie screens. We could have opened it and been running movies now. It is sad. The Landlord is a nice guy but does not want to invest any money in the theatre. I would LOVE to come back and help after our success here at the Wheaton Grand Theatre.
Thank you all. I love this site and to the saints of this idea, thank you Mr. Melnick and Mr. Krefft. They make this work and theatres worth preserving. I love great theatres and have made it my mission to help with restoration and programming. It’s a wonderful life!
Although I love this site, sometimes people (Ross and Dave who did the original write up on this site) are asleep at the wheel. The architect has been identified several times and has been verified as Norman Brydges. Why is it not at the top of this page? The theatre did NOT open in 1923 but was started in 1923 and opened in 1925, (more corrections, boys). The Wheaton Grand celebrates 80 years this May and there will be a giant celebration. Check out the website: www.wheatongrand.net And most importantly, NO decision has been made to “close the theatre for 18 months!” As the owner of the company now managing the theatre, Grande Venues, Inc., that will not happen on my watch!
Correction, John. We were not hired. Our company was retained. We work for ourselves in several theatres and wear many hats. Our contracts range from programming to restoration, from management to operations. We also do parking, commercial leases, historic tax credit work, fundraising and real estate development. The Wheaton is but one star in the firmament of great theatres!
Jacker, call us. We can help! (630) 221-0667
Again here is a great example of how a community (even an e-mail one like here), can save an old theatre. A combination of movies, live theatre, murder mysteries and yes, auctions! I love the theatre business!
Does anyone in Boise know if a “Murder at the Egyptian” would be a hit as a benefit to the Theatre? I write original murder mysteries for old movie palaces if anyone else is interested. Paul (630) 221-0667
What does a “summer community movie house” mean? Are we referring to a summer resort town that shows movies to the seasonals and not to the locals? Most theatres must be operated year round to be successful unless one has a generous patron who supports said theatre through the winter months! Oh, for the days of Mom and Pop theatres… am I the last man standing?
Jacker please resend. We receive lots of mail. Sorry.
You can call my company. We do theatre searches, purchase agreements, financing, sales, marketing, board development, board recruiting, head hunting, hiring, restoration, strategic planning, programming and consulting for all size theatres the US and Europe and we always return calls. Grande Venues, Inc. (630) 221-0667
N Visible Man you have identified the solutions for a successful restroation/renovation for the Uptown: multiple income streams, a strong and experienced management team, solid financing, lucrative and appropriate naming rights, use of historic tax credits, TIF funding and strong popular support! Many of us have worked on the Uptown project and look forward to a new group who might take us forward. I always stand by ready to work on the proejct with whomever can help restore it to its former glory!
Is it worth the money to save it? Historic tax credits could be brought to bear… I wll look into it. Anyone else interested in helping me? Paul
Does anyone have new information on the theatre? E-mail us. wheatongrand.net
Shagee7977… Our reply is on the way. ANYONE may call us at (630) 221-0667.
News flash… some studios are now looking at independent cinemas that do not show first run films as “candidates for limited digital licenses.” This would allow small cinemas to use digital projection to show old movies to the public under special licensing agreements. FINALLY the digital age might have arrived for movies in a small way. Stay tuned!
Ribz: Our company might be interested. We see the future in digital cinema as well. Paul (630) 221-0667
Call us. (630) 221-0667
A receiver/developer for the Uptown? Man oh man is THAT a conflict of interest! Controversy is written all over it but Mr. Holsten is a good man. I met him over a year ago and he does have the best interest of Uptown in mind. Let’s hope he calls a summit and gathers all those who wish to participate in one room to get the place open again! It can be done. Let’s work together!
I would volunteer to do a “Murder at the Egyptian” as a fundraiser. Who do I contact?
We do funding and finance specifically for theatres. Contact us. (630) 221-0667
?? There is no clock that I know of and I do not know what letter sign to which you refer. Sorry.
A well worded business plan would work. I can help. E-mail me or call our office. (630) 221-0667
Elizabeth: Great questions. Alderman Levar was absolutely NO help to us with the Portage Park Theatre. He did not facilitate the departments of the city (health, building, fire, etc.) and would NOT sign off on a generator that is needed now for all PPAs (Public Places of Amusement.) By the way, there are great secret rooms and a magnificent old vaudeville proscenium hidden behind the movie screens. We could have opened it and been running movies now. It is sad. The Landlord is a nice guy but does not want to invest any money in the theatre. I would LOVE to come back and help after our success here at the Wheaton Grand Theatre.
We might be interested. Call (630) 221-0667.
If you only knew the troubles I had with the city and that theatre!
Thank you all. I love this site and to the saints of this idea, thank you Mr. Melnick and Mr. Krefft. They make this work and theatres worth preserving. I love great theatres and have made it my mission to help with restoration and programming. It’s a wonderful life!
Although I love this site, sometimes people (Ross and Dave who did the original write up on this site) are asleep at the wheel. The architect has been identified several times and has been verified as Norman Brydges. Why is it not at the top of this page? The theatre did NOT open in 1923 but was started in 1923 and opened in 1925, (more corrections, boys). The Wheaton Grand celebrates 80 years this May and there will be a giant celebration. Check out the website: www.wheatongrand.net And most importantly, NO decision has been made to “close the theatre for 18 months!” As the owner of the company now managing the theatre, Grande Venues, Inc., that will not happen on my watch!
I have been in that theatre. What is their schedule now? Do they do movies, live theatre?