Patio Theatre

I love this big, airy wonder! Gigantic and lovingly restored. Serves it's neighborhood well, showing second run hits at an amazingly low $2 a seat. I'd pay that just to look around. The best bargain in Chicago.

It's a great place! Especially for families with more than two or three kids, it helps a great deal.

The recorded message when you call the Patio states that the theater is currently closed for remodeling.

This place still comes up as sometimes open in the paper called the Reader in Chicago-problem is it is never open.Massive building both outside and in.Smells old when it is open.In the area of Chicago of old bungalows(one of which where I reside).Very Cool building -would love to see it open on a permanent basis.Large twinkling ceiling-I have seen the movies Goldfinger there when it first came out in the sixties and Patton,PT 109,etc,etc. What a shame for it not to reopen-it would have lots of business for sure!!!!!!

The Patio contains a 3 manul 18 rank Barton organ that cost $25,000 to install when the movie palace opened in 1927. However, during the 30s, with the death of silent films, the organ fell into disuse until it was restored in 1966 and was rededicated a year later with the late legendary Hal Pearl, longtime organist at the famed Aragon Ballroom, accompanying a silent film and a sing-along to a full house. The Barton was since used for ocassional organ concerts until the Patio's closing nearly two years ago.

During my last visit to Chicago I talked to one of the tennants at the Patio Theatre Building who informed me that the building's owner is hoping to lease out the theatre. Hope someone's interested.

Does anyone know how to contact the owner/lease-holder? There is no information anywhere else that I know about.

Dan, I wish I could be of more help but the phone number I have for the Patio has been disconnected. It was 773 545-2006. If you're out of the Chicago area, I'd bet the owners of the Music Box or maybe even the group trying to re-open the Portage Theatre (check in cinema treasures, theatres in need) might be of some help. If this is of no help, add another comment and I'll see if I can get a friend or relative in Chicago to get you the information you need.

Dan, you also may want to try contacting the Portage Park Chamber of Commerce:
4805 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago IL 60641, (773) 777-2020
(Sorry couldn't find an email address/website for them)

Dan,

If you need a volunteer or help of any kind, I am interested in helping get the Patio open.

Andy aguschwan@comcast.net

What kind of neighborhood is this in?

Gary, here is an article from the Chicago Tribune from a few years ago profiling the Portage Park neighborhood:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/communities/chi-profile-69903.story

I lived in the area for nearly 10 years until recently. It is actually, a great middle and working class neighborhood, safe and clean. Neat, tidy brick homes, a lot of Eastern European immigrant families. Closest theater is far away in the burbs. It would be a good venue for art and foreign language films.

Why do you think art and foreign films would work. Middle and working class families are not traditionally the right audience.

I find your comment to be rather snobbish. If you would notice in my posting that there are foreign-born people living in the neighborhood, so perhaps they might like to see foreign language films. At one time, the Patio showed East Indian and Polish films, or maybe you would prefer French and Italian.

Also, people have cars and can drive to the theater or take public transportation right to the door. Perhaps you would like to check out the former Gateway Theater (now Copernicus Center), just 20 minutes from the Patio. Literally every weekend there are foreign language films, classics, etc., being shown there to a packed house. And the parking lot is filled. Mostly with the cars of middle and working class folks.

Remember what happens when you make assumptions.

Peace.

I think a Patio showing films catering to the large Polish/Eastern European community of this neighborhood (and nearby Dunning) would complement the larger Gateway Theatre wonderfully. Perhaps even live entertainment and organ concerts on the Patio's Barton could be part of this theater's revival.

You are right...I shouldn't maker knee-jerk responses. But, as a founder of Landmark Theatre back in 1975 (I left left a few years ago to do other things), we learned a lot about audiences and locations for foreign and independent films. People "tell" you one thing but their actions are what keep theaters alive.

The Gateway/Copernicus is a special situation. Being a Polish Cultural Center it is supported by a wide range of community related events including films. Some outside groups also rent it for programs like the Silent Film Festival which are destination events.
Being a beautiful palace helps in the appeal.

But obtaining the rights to show foreign films that don;t have US distribution isn't easy. Copernicus hooks up with other Polish cultural groups and they share the costs of bringing the prints in. They have a minimal cost way of letting the core audience know what is showing. They may also be screening films on video/DVD below the radar of the actual rights owners. This happens a lot but a more public facility can't do it.

But even ethnic communities can be hard to bring out. I operate a 1926 neighborhood theater in San Francisco, the Balboa. We are in the heart of the Russian and Chinese communities. Attempts to show films to these audiences, with help from within the community, have been mixed at best. We have been trying to arrange something with Russian contacts to show Soviet films but they can;t get a committment from the suppliers to give them a steady flow of product. Another neighborhood theater, the 4 Star, is owned by a Chinese American whose family has been showing Chinese and Hong Kong films for decades. But the theater now survives by playing a mix of first run commercial movies and second runs with some Asian special series and fests. There aren't enough films to fill it year around and the audiences will appear for the high profile titles and highly publicized festivals but not as a steady diet.

The Balboa wins "Best of" awards and people are talking about how we have turned it around in the past 3 years but people constantly tell me, "I love what you are doing but I just don;t want to drive the 20 minutes to get there." Those megaplexes are closer and usually have parking, a tight commodity in neighborhoods.
Meanwhile San Francisco is losing some of its oldest theaters as Regal sells them off. The Alexandria just closed and the Coronet goes next. Both the Voge and Metro are for sale and the asking prices can't be justified for running them as theaters. More housing and retail to come, leaving neighborhoods with fewer (if any. Our Neighborhood Theatre Foundation keeps close tabs and we try to figure out ways to save or reuse old theaters. I have done several feasibility studies on creative reuse not unlike the Gateway.

Now I hope I am proved wrong. I haven't paid close attention to the Chicago art market in years. I know Landmark and Century have built new art complexes and the heroic Music Box and Facets do their things. Someone closer to the marketplace knows better than me. Contact the Music Box team.

Gary's last post was excellent. I would like to elaborate more with the Hong Kong film situation. I was planning to open (with a business partner) a theater dedicated to showing Hong Kong films several years ago in the San Jose, CA area. The biggest problem I found out was the very short window between theatrical and video in Hong Kong. Many Hong Kong films wind up (legally) on video within about a month of their theatrical opening. This does not allow a theater owner to make much of a profit, since a theater makes more profit on longer runs of films versus showing a film for 1-2 weeks. And once a film hits video, it kills any theatrical business that that film might bring your theater. I feel that this has hurt the Four Star(which currently is the only San Francisco area theater that does show Hong Kong films--At one point the Towne in San Jose showed Hong Kong films on Monday and Tuesday nights and the UC Theater in Berkeley showed Hong Kong films on Thursdays. By the time the would play the Towne or UC, they were out on video and that killed their HK nights.)

One major problem which the Patio has is a lack of readily available parking in the area. I am also not sure if there is very much in the way of complimentary entertainment possibilities (restaurants/bars and such) close by. Consider, too, that there is ony the one auditorium (no secondary screening rooms to help boost income). It's a beautiful house that had some sort of regulatory problem with the city, I believe, that they couldn't afford to fix or whatever (asbestos?). I hope it doesn't just sit there forever and rot away but can be reopened one day and enhanced.

You know, not everyone has to drive. With the price of gas pushing through the roof, public transportation to the door of this wonderful theater is readily available. Yes, there are restaurants and bars nearby, actually a very vibrant neighborhood. Secondary screening rooms could be established in the upstairs apartments/business spaces which flank the theater.

All you need is a vision. (And money)

Yes, not everybody has to drive. And there is pretty good bus service there (though most people who come on it may have to transfer from another route and travel a distance due to it's location. Also, the Austin bus stops running by 10. Irving Pk .only goes up till around maybe 11:30 or so, so you couldn't necessarily rely upon that for a late showing). But a venue will need a fair amount of parking for those who just won't come any other way than by car. So without a decent sized available lot in close proximity, any venue will have some real problems drawing a crowd.

Let's see, no parking. How about the Music Box on Southport, an artsy little theater? The Music Box arranges for parking at a local school. Patrons take cabs, hustle for street parking, even ride the bus. Where there's a will, etc. It's easy to point out all the disincentives, including the major one of people staying home and watching DVD's and movies on cable.

You know, as the operator of a tourist attraction, I'm in the entertainment business, so I'm always looking for that hook, that reason to get people to come and have some fun. That's what we need to do here. I had a guy working for me, that whenever I asked him to do something, he would give me 10 reasons why it couldn't be done. (we're too far away, too far from other venues,etc.) I would then ask him to give me one reason why it could be done. He couldn't, it was more fun being a naysayer, I suppose. Guess what, he doesn't work here any more.

By doing research marketing and targeted promotion and advertising, and scheduling special events, we have increased our visitor count annually, even in these uncertain economic times.

OK, Tim, this is my final post on this subject. Remember, getting in the last word doesn't mean you win. Nobody wins a p....ng contest.

Peace.

Just one note regarding the Music Box. I think that the dynamic of the neighborhood itself is completely different as far as it's makeup, entertainment environment, and acceptance of walkability than is the neighborhood surrounding the Patio as it presently stands and it's very location compared to where it would likely be seeking to draw patrons from.

Believe me, I would love to see that theater reopened by some creative innovator who could find a way. But if you are going to succeed in meeting the challenges, you have to properly identify those challenges so that they can be responded to well. Ignoring them and trying to just think positively won't help resolve any problems that could make it a better and more attractive draw.

I just wanted to add one thing about the neighborhood: it's changing. Yes, there are a lot of eastern European and Hispanic immigrants - but this neighborhood is in the verge of becoming the next "gentrified" hot spot. The tribune article posted above, which praises the economic housing prices, was from 1996. The house that family purchases for $152,000 then, is closer to 300,000 now and rising (trust me I just moved in).

A little over a year ago a new bar opened a few blocks down. It's a bit more upscale from what was in there previously - and now it's difficult to find seat most nights. I think Portage Park is ripe for a neighborhood theatre - second run, art-house, or otherwise.

Yes, the Patio is definitely for lease and I'll add information within one or two days.

The Patio was part of the Mitchell Bros. chain which owned a minimum of seven or eight theatres in the city of Chicago. Maybe more but I know of only this number. Alex, the current owner, acquired the Patio theatre complex at a tax sale in 1986. He re-opened the theatre in October 1987 and closed it in August 2001. Other than the fact Alex is now 77 and would enjoy some leisure time, there were other reasons why he closed the Patio. I think all of the problems could be overcome. There were no building code violations involved with the theatre's closure.
I promised Alex I would not list his telephone on Cinema Treasures because he was worried the curious and passionate theatre enthusiasts would be constantly telephoning. So here's the deal, the interested (not the curious) email me and I'll forward your number to Alex.
If you have no idea what it would cost to heat and cool a theatre that seats 1500, research this first before you email me. Investigate all the licenses that are required--the latest on the list is the P.P.A. (Place of Public Amusement). This one alone will run you $1500 yearly.
No one more than I would love to see the Patio re-opened so let's hear from all of you with deep pockets or good credit and excellent motivational skills. The later needed to get support from city politicians, neighborhood residents, and the many vounteers you'll need to make it viable. My email address is rgrows@primus.ca

I remember when I was very young, about 6 or 7, my parents (and grandparents) took me to the Patio to see "The Apple Dumpling Gang", which is the first movie I remember (admittedly only vaguely) seeing in a theater. Both the Patio and the Portage, in the Six Corners area of Portage Park, where my "neighborhood" theaters as a young kid. The Portage was within walking distance, the Patio we had to drive to. I remember the marquee of the Patio, when it was lit up at night, and could've sworn that there was still a vertical sign back then (this would've been the mid-70s), also lit up. Also, I remember that my parents and grandparents (and some other family and neighbors) always pronounced Patio as "PAY-show" or "PAY-she-oh" but never "PAT-ee-oh", just a little thing, but does anyone else who grew up in the area recall hearing the theater pronounced that way? To this day, I still call it the "PAY-show".

I didn't realize that the Mitchell Brothers(who made porn films as well as operating theaters) had owned &/or operated theaters outside of California. Anyplace else that they operated theaters at?

Scott, I believe the Chicago Mitchell Brothers circuit was completely unrelated to the later Mitchell Brothers, as well as operating much earlier.

My Dad used to call it the Pay-she-oh, (like ratio). Perhaps just a neighborhood affectation. In all my years on the west side, we always called it the PAT-ee-oh, just like the place where you have your barbecue grill and lawn furniture. Of course, the Hispanic customers would call it POT-y-oh (As it is pronounced in Spanish)

Actually, in literate Spanish it would be pronounced: pah-TAY-oh. Odd pronounciation of theatre names is certainly not unique to Chicago, with perhaps the most famous being the East Coast chain of LOEW'S being pronounced: low-EES, rather than the correct "lows" (the 'E' was silent). One theatre in Milwaukee, the UIHLEIN caused so much confusion to out-of-towners not used to such German names, that it was renamed the ALHAMBRA, though it bore no resemblance to that famed Spanish palace! The proper pronunciation of the family name Uihlein is: EEE-line. As regards the venerable PATIO, we must remember that in the 20s, Spanish was little know outside of our southern border areas and California, and patios were a feature of the yet-to-come ranch houses of the 50s..

Down here in Knoxville people would call the Riviera Theatre "The ra-VER-a"
I guess that is a southern thing.

Excuse me, Jim, but the i in Spanish is pronounced ee (long e). it is the e in Spanish that has the long a sound.

Peace

Trolleyguy is right; mea culpa.

I moved into the St.Paschal/Patio neighborhood when I was in 7th grade. I cannot begin to tell you the numerous movies I've seen over the years. It is the most beautiful theater imaginable. The twinkling star filled sky just transports you to a far off place.I've also been to the organ concerts,which were just beautiful. The organ is fantastic. If there were a way to help to reopen the Patio it would be wonderful.We could do fundraising to help re-open,etc. Also it would bring new life to the neighborhood. It is a beautiful landmark and it is a sin to let it just lie vacant and unused. Besides,our children,friends and others could experience a movie the way it was meant to be seen. Not in a warehouse, where they have multiple screens and herd you in & out like cattle.It could be like the music box and show old movies.As for parking, 2 blocks west is St.Paschals who I'm sure would be accomodating.Even if there were a small surcharge to park, the church and the show could gain. God speed,& heres hoping to seeing the Patio open again! P.S. In my years in the neighborhood everyone always called it the "PATIO"

Yes, it is a beautiful place and needs to be reopened. Just a minor correction, tho. I also lived in the neighborhood for many years, and attended St. Pascal (no h) church at the corner of Irving Park and Melvina.

Peace

I've lived in the neighborhood my whole life. I'm a graduate of St. Pascal and still attend Mass there. I was starting my sophmore year in highschool when the Patio closed. I can remember all the times on a friday night when my friends and I would go to se a two dollar movie either because we really wanted to see it OR because we had nothing better to do than pay two dollars to make fun of a bad movie. It was the place for a kid in the eighth-grade to take a date out cheap, which is always appreciated by a kid with no job or allowance or car. One of the biggest regrets I have of the Patio closing is that I was only able to take a few of my highschool friends there to see its beauty and look in awe at the stary illusions on the ceiling. Some one HAS to re-open this marvelous theatre. The love lives of hundreds of grade-schoolers rely on it.

My grandparents lived in this neighborhood for years. I am 50 years old and have grown up coming to this beautiful theater. I live in Schiller Park, a suburb outside Chicago,and I would still contribute money to the opening of this wonderful theater. I agree, someone has to reopen this Landmark theater. Vickie

I would love to see this theater restored and re-opened. My aunt has lived a few blocks from the Patio for over twenty years. My family and I walked there many summer evenings to catch a movie, and I always wanted to make sure I got there early enough to watch the starry sky for awhile before the movie started. If anyone is seriously planning or knows of any type of fundraiser or anything like that please be sure to post, I would like to get involved!

Here is a view of the Patio's auditorium. Unfortunately, you can't see the star-covered ceiling in this photo.

My mother used to call it the "Pay-she-oh" too! She still does when she refers to it. I thought she was the only one! She used to go there in her early 20's, over 40 years ago. I've only been there once, and remember the starry sky. I agree with the other posts - this neighborhood is on the verge of being regentrified and the theater would probably do well if it re-opened.

Jayne, it looks like some people in the neighborhood pronounced it like your mom (and my family) as "Pay-She-Oh" and some pronounced it as "Pat-E-Oh". I haven't been by the old neighborhood since I took the picture above in early 2002 (I live in the burbs now) and wonder how it's looking lately. Does anyone else remember the Patio's vertical sign and whenabouts it was taken down? If you look at the picture above, you can see the lower support for it, on the left side of the window.

Bryan, i'm not sure if you noticed but the photos on the cinematour site are somewhat newer, it looks like the marquee's been painted (rather less attractively). It's a little too... ketchup and mustard for my taste. It looks from your picture that some paint was desperately needed at the time.

Get pictures of the inside of the theatre to the colleges and universities in the area. Maybe try and find a few professors to pitch in a line or two during lecture about The Patio to get more people interested. That's how I heard about it, but my professor didn't know it was closed already. He mentioned it in passing. The description of the inside is what made us all want to see it. I would LOVE to see it open again. I'll help too if you throw a fundraiser.

I was recently in touch with the son of one of the three Greek brothers who owned and built the Patio theatre. The family name Michalopoulous, was shortened and Americanized to Mitchell. He has lots of interesting stories about the Patio and the 13 other theatres the brothers owned in the Chicago area. When I visit the Chicago area again, I hope to find out more about the Patio's history and I'll share the stories with you.

Additional views of the Patio's exterior (unfortunately, no interior views!) can be seen here.

It would be ridiculous to see this building demolished. If the Chicago preservation community ever had a cause to rally around, this is it. It is a true movie palace, and has been restored. It shouldn't be allowed to slowly decline over the next fifteen years (as so many of these buildings have), to the point where it is unusable. The same is true of the New Regal.

Of course these theatres shouldn't be allowed to be demolished or to deteriorate to that state, but as always it is a cold, hard fact of money, or the lack of it. Theatres are wonderful things, but there is nothing practical about them; they cost and cost. If you and others on this site do not have the funds personally to invest in them through some sort of a foundation set legally to preserve them, consider approaching the owner to get them to hire one of the specialists in theatre/cinema renovation and rehabilitation. The League of Historic American Theatres ( www.LHAT.org ) is set up to help rescue such treasures, and here are just two of the national firms that specialize in bringing such palaces back to life:

http://www.grandevenues.com/

http://www.rjha.net/mainpage.htm

The Theatre Historical Soc. of America is just outside of Chicago in Elmhurst ( www.HistoricTheatres.org ) and may be willing to join in consultation with the owners, if a responsible would-be owner/operator steps forward. There are several historic preservation groups in the Chicago area; surely one of them could spearhead this effort if a committee of concerned citizens formed a 'Save-the-Patio' group. I have left some of my own recommendations at: http://www.cinematour.com/article.php?id=3

"Life's too short" is right; it is too short for the locals to simply sit back and lament the loss of what is their own, as though such works of art were disposable. Let us hope a Chicagolander is reading this, as well as the local press.

I suppose it is an obvious statement...and, I am with you on the issue of realism. I wish I had the time to organize, plan & motivate...instead of being an arm chair quarterback.

When an aging cinema in marginal shape (especially one with little decoration like the Milford) comes down, I see it as a sign of the changing world. But this place has an outdoor ceiling...and has been restored. I hope somebody steps up.

Hello,

So I've been searching for months for a theater for my theater company. I grew up near this theater and also the Logan, which is very similar. I noticed about halfway through, a discussion on how to contact the owner. Did we ever decide how to to do that?

Also, I've never bought a theater before, let alone anything else. Well, except for happy meals and new shoes. My funds are extremely limited in terms of buying a theater. Would I be getting in over my head?

Thanks for your opinion. I need them, I'm clueless.
Nicole

Hi Nicole,

If funds are limited the Patio is not for you-- although I'd still be happy to have the owner contact you. Although the theatre did not make money, the property as a whole has a positive cash flow. There are several store fronts as well as offices which generate income. To a Walgreens or Osco the property would be very valuable and although I've never discussed a sale price with the owner I'd think land value alone would be over $1,000,000.00.

Thanks Richard but can I just say, Eek! :) May I also say, if the Patio were ever turned into a Walgreens or Osco, it would be a very big old depressing loss to the neighborhood. Not only would I be sad to see it go, because of it's history, it would just be another big box store ruining local businesses and family memories. Has anyone seen the commercial from a historic society that starts with black and white images from a long time ago of a wedding, only they are standing in a gas station? Then a voice over that says, "How would you like to have to tell your children you were married in that parking lot?" I'm sure no one was ever married at the Patio, I'm sure there are similar stories that would like to be remembered and passed down to other generations. It would be a very sad moment if it were ever turned into something other than a theater.

Thanks again Richard G.
Nicole

In the mid 90s I used to go to the Patio with my friends to see movies all the time. I saw "Much Ado about Nothing" there and I remember the wonderful twinkling ceiling above us as we watched the film. It's really sad that this theater has been closed for so long.

If anyone has any information on contacting the owner of the Patio. I would be very interested in getting things in motion for the Patio.

This would be a good cinema for a small chain like Village, or (even better) Classic Cinemas to take over.

I remember seeing my wife's Luther High School North yearbook, which had a picture of the Patio right on the hardbound cover! I'm not sure if they altered the image on the marquee to say something about that years class, or if they actually held their graduation there.
I'll have to search around for the year book but I think it was from 1975, '76 or '77.

A May 30, 1926 Rendering and Caption in the Chicago Tribune identifies R.G. Wolff as the Architect for the yet-unnamed Patio.

If I remember correctly the Simms family owned the Patio at some point. I knew one of the kids, Chris Simms though not real well. They also owned a disco night club on the corner of Addison and long. I lived on Waveland and Long and the Simms family lived on Patterson and Lockwood. They were (are) nice people, a nice Greek family. I too have many great memories of going to the Patio as a kid (38 now) I remember see "JAWS" there when I was about 11 and my Ma putting her had over my face when the shark was getting ready to attack! and I also remember seeing the "Apple Dumpling Gang" there too with my Dad. Those were the good old days, I didn't really realise it then, but I sure do now. It is a shame that other families aren't making them kind of memories that last a life time like I did at the Patio. The Patio is a icon of the NW side of Chicago and it is a shame to hear that it is not still open.
Just a little food for thought to who it may concern or not....
The governor Rod bagoinavich (sp) grew up some were in that neighborhood I think anyway, and I know for a fact that he went to Saint Pats high school. I am sure he must have gone to the Patio too... anyone see were I am going here? bottom line is the Patio is a historic treasure!!!
Andy Farrington thunderstorm574@verizon.net

The last film I saw at the Patio was The Poseidon Adventure. I took the bus from Lake Street on Austin Blvd.

We lived in the Portage Park area very near the Patio. I think we saw "The Sound of Music" there when it first came out. Resurrecting a subject from a few posters up (and many months back!), my aunt was visiting us with her family from Germany in the 60's, and said they'd spent the afternoon at the "Payshow." I thought that was an odd way to refer to a movie theater, but I figured she was roughly translating the word from German. Then I realized she meant she'd been to the Patio! I now live in the western 'burbs, but I work on the north side in the Roscoe Village area. I've driven past the Patio on several occasions and am always happy to see the marquee. Hope this is one cinema treasure that survives.

Hey everybody

I am a Michael LeVan. I have lived in the city of Chicago my entire life. I am a filmmaker and a attendee of Columbia College, heading into my final year. I love all the old movie palaces of Chicago. It has been my intent for sometime to Make a documentary on the history, and the ongoings of these historic theaters in the present. The means to make this documentary are finally in my grasp. I planned on featuring 3 theaters, the Copernicus Center(formally The Gateway), The Patio(Formally The Avalon), and The Uptown. While the Documentary will focus on the entire history, These are the three that will be visual examples, and the ones i would like to film in. I have spoken with the People at The Gateway Theater, and they are estatic that i am doing this. The only problem now is The Uptown and the The Patio. These two theaters seem to have ghosts of owners , or even managers. If somebody could help me in finding someone to talk too, i would be very appriciative. Also, this documentary will require interviews, and finding old information as well. If anybody would be kind enough to do either that would be fantastic. My somewhat set date to start filming is June 10 ,2006. My goal with the entire project is to help and benifit these theaters. Help alot more people to gain interest, and all the profit that i attain, if any, will be donated to help with these theaters. I am going to submit it to Wttw(Pbs Chicago) , and also the History Channel. So if anyone would like to help in anyway, they can contact me at my email.

Bleedingchicagoproductions@gmail.com

or by phone (773)-656-5821

Well i appriciate if you read that entire thing, and hopefully i will be hearing from you

Michael Levan of Bleeding Chicago Productions

I talked to a friend of mine who lives in Portage Park the other day. He related a story to me. As he heard it, the owner of the Patio really pissed off the city. So they closed him down. The story goes that the city will not allow the theatre to reopen as long as this gentleman owns it.

Of course this is all word of mouth. Impossible to verify. But if it is true, it is certainly a shame that a power struggle is keeping one of Chicago's restored movie palaces shuttered.

I know from hearing only one side of the story (the owners) that there's some hostility between the city and Alex. Alex maintains that the theatre never made money under his ownership but the whole complex of theatre, stores, apartments and offices makes the building profitable. The city insisted that the P.P.A. tax be paid on all 1500+ seats even though the balcony (rear elevated portion) is roped off. Alex felt this was unjustfied but the city insisted that the only way he could avoid paying the tax on all the seats was to rip out the unused balconey seats. Alex wouldn't bend and closed the theatre. That's the owner's version of why the Patio closed.

There was a theater in Niagara Falls,NY which was originally known as the Falls and later became the State Theater. It looked amazingly like the Patio. Unfortunately the State was torn down. Before it was torn down they found some signs advertising talking movies. I hope someone can save the Patio.

Just biked by the Patio today and peered through the window. It looks to be in pretty good shape. It would be a shame if this great theater doesn't reopen.

From what I gather the owner really likes his theatre. So I imagine he keeps the roof in good repair and heats it enough to keep the interior from declining.

My wife and I are in the process of selling our current business and would certainly be interested in owning a theater like this. We currently enjoy watching movies and community performances at the Pickwick Theater and appreciate the impact that a stately theater can have on its community. We believe that the Portage Park community can embrace what this stately theater is capable of offering.

Can anyone answer the following preliminary questions:

Is the Patio for sale?
Does the Patio still have its Barton organ?
Does the organ still work?
Are there any schools or churches located nearby to negotiate parking (similar to the Music Box Theater)?
If the Patio is not for sale, is it up for lease?
Most importantly, does anyone know who to contact if the Patio is for sale/lease?

Like many who have posted here, we have been disheartened to see so many of these great theaters being razed in favor of condos (like my childhood theater the Adelphi). If possible, we would like to investigate the feasibility of operating the Patio to save this wonderful treasure for our children and grandchildren. Once these tresures are torn down they can never come back.

Do you think the Patio and Portage could coexist, though? They are far apart, but far enough?

If anyone is truly interested in knowing more about the history and workings of the beautiful Patio Theater, you should try to locate Louis Antonelli, a local Chicago filmmaker and long-time projectionist for the Patio. I too used to live in the Portage Park area. I knew Lou in the early 90's. He had a great love and passion for the Patio. I was fortunate enough to view movies from the projection room and watch as he changed the reels. I remember Alex, the owner, as a nice man, but crabby and cheap. (I know, not very nice to say, but true.) Someone from New York just told me about this site today and I decided to look up some favorite, old theaters, the Patio being at the top of my list. What a surprise to me that I would be contributing to the site. Lou should be easy to locate. He is a well-known Chicago filmmaker as well as a true and loyal Chicagoan. If you do have trouble locating him, you may want to try calling the Chicago Film Office. I hope the Patio can be restored and reopened. It would be a shame to lose another beautiful piece of Chicago's history.

Not only could the Patio and Portage (don't forget the LaSalle Bank Cinema, too!) coexist, they could bookend a new arts and entertainment corridor along Irving Park, similar to the way the renovation of the theaters in the Loop created the theater district on Randolph. Imagine a crop of storefront performance spaces, "brew & view"-type pubs, production facilities, and these two grand spaces to showcase major classic and independent film events and live performances. The programming would be varied enough that they would complement each other rather than compete.

I forgot to mention that Louis Antonelli made a film about The Patio theater. It's called "The Wizard of Austin Boulevard."

A photo of the Patio theater and its Barton theater organ can be seen here.

I was quite pleased to be told by a colleague that cathyc. mentioned me in this forum concerning the Patio Theatre. I am Louis Antonelli, and yes I am a filmmaker from Chicago who loves, and has a passion for The Patio Theatre. I first walked into that beautiful palace when I was a very small kid in the mid 1960's. I grew up in the area of Cicero & Addison, which had many, many movie theaters 'in my back yard' so to speak. Growing up, I went to The Luna, Will Rogers, Gateway, Commodore, Milford, Portage, Mercury, and my favorite of them all - The Patio. During the time of my professional career in Cinema (1980 to the present) as a writer, producer & director I filmed a great many productions utilizing the Patio as a singular location. We did major Music Videos there for Atlantic - Oprah Winfrey Presents - Dramatic Opera for Italian Television - BBC & PBS Specials - and to me the most precious of all, 'The Wizard of Austin Boulevard', a long form film about magic, dreams, love, and passion. I'm happy to tell you that 'Wizard' has been continually seen and much loved by audiences around the world since it was completed in 1994. Another person who could tell you much about those times at the Patio is the outstanding Cinematographer & Actor Michael Wisnieux, who worked very closely with me on 'Wizard', and many other films. The Patio up until 1986 was a seriously run down, neglected place that had a forlorn look about it - as if it were hiding its face to prevent you seeing it cry. All of that changed because of one unique, amazing man named Alex K., who single-handedly restored the entire edifice and made it a true palace again in every sense of the word. Alex is one of the few, true Geniuses I have been fortunate to meet, and work with. I was indeed a Carbon Arc Projectionist at the Patio for many years, which started off as an offer to help Alex out - and wound up being one of the greatest experiences of my life. The story of the Patio (during the Alex K. years) is a marvelous journey, and a very important part of Chicago and Cinema history as it represents a time when someone REALLY cared about 'how' you see a movie. Alex is an idealist, pragmatist, poet, dreamer, egotist, eccentric, economist, philosopher, and staunch scientific materialist in the greatest senses of all of those terms. One who understands 'Dreams'and 'Ideals' as an end goal - can understand this man. He is a great contradiction (as we all are!) but is also a great romantic in the true Byronistic sense - he is stubborn, and holds firm to his beliefs which were hard won for him. He came to the USA with nothing but a suitcase, and dreams, as a 14 year old boy. To me he became a teacher, father, friend, mentor, and hard nosed advocate for my belief in 'Dreams' - many of which HE made possible. Cathyc. stated that Alex is 'cheap'; that could be the view if you did not live and work day to day with this man - he was 'practical in his impractical way'! Alex had little choice but to pinch every penny he could find, he often 'stole' from himself just to keep the Patio going, a week at a time - as I remember so well. To see the pain on his face when he did not have near enough to pay gargantuan electric, gas, and so many other bills bills bills bills bills - it’s actually a miracle he kept the Patio open as long as he did. I know first hand that the only reason the Patio did remain open close to 14 years after Alex restored her was by the shear will, determination, and long hours Alex put in - all mixed with his personal style that to some can seem gruff, but once you know him you realize that is only his way of projecting that he was actually angry with himself - not you. Alex is like a Producer from the Golden Age of the Cinema; he has no time for nonsense, but all the time in the world for character and ideas. Alex LIVES for ideas -and goals; He is one of the VERY FEW people in modern times who CARED how his audience saw a movie! He wanted his audiences at the Patio to have 'an experience' when they came to the theatre, not just simply see a movie - but EXPERIENCE IT! I am blessed; so very early in life I knew without question that I was born to make movies, and make them I have, and continue to with a fervent passion that is totally consuming and joyous - I am also VERY blessed for another reason, I am fortunate to know & love Alex K.! I share something in common with Alex - I have never 'WORKED' a day in my life, because when you love what you do it never can be 'work'. (That holds true as well for the 'work' you do - to get to your real 'work'- It is all part of the same process - and I lived it not only in my film career, but also at the Patio with Alex!)
Every day I was at the Patio with Alex - working with him, talking to him, sharing ideas with him - listening to him - struggling along with him - was a privilege I will never forget. I think the only true words I can give you that capture the Alex K. Patio Theatre years are these, written in 1988 and published around the world. This is, 'The Wizard of Austin Boulevard' - "I know a place, with electric clouds overhead - and twenty five cent lightbulbs become stars. With eyes I see, so it must be true; a dancer of light - a silver shadow who is the keeper of illusions; yours and mine. He dwells in a grand mosaic, just west of Austin Boulevard. As I enter, I realize I'm in the company of the Wizard. He shows me pictures through a glass, twenty four times a second. Tonight, it'll be Sinatra in blacks & whites. Is this Heaven, or just another Sultan's den of satin green and red; a devilish grin is his only reply. I pray this light won't fade, but have hope - because the lion soon will roar. So I must hurry back, to the Arc of the Wizard, in the shrine of the Magic Lantern - and the stuff, dreams are made of. (Copyright 1988 Louis Antonelli/ARR Published by VIA & The Library of Congress ISSN/ - 1990/1994). Well, that's about all I can say here. If you were there at the Patio during those years then you know well what I'm stating here. If you were not, I can tell you there is a great deal out there to discover from those magical times - when on an insignificant intersection on the northwest side of Chicago; DREAMS LIVED! If anyone would like to contact me about the Patio, and it's history please feel free to do so. cathyc., THANK YOU for remembering me and my work, and for sharing it with others here - I remember you; a radiant beauty who I can still see in my mind; lit by the carbon from the E7 Projector! You made those days even more special. If you, (and also Alex) read this, I hope you both don't mind my saying - I will always Love You.
Louis Antonelli. Quadrama/FILM

Hello again - I'm Louis Antonelli, and I posted a comment earlier today when I heard that cathyc. graciously had mentioned me and my long history with the Patio - I thought today, after posting my experiences with the Patio theatre that I would take the time this evening to go into more specific detail about the theatre during the Alex K. years, and my personal experiences leading up to, and finally working closely with Alex at the Patio.
Again, I have a history with that magnificent theatre well before I ever had the good fortune to meet Alex. I went to the Patio constantly during the 1960's through the mid 1980's (although there were instances when it was closed at intervals from the 70's to the early 80's).
Let's move up to 1983 - I was a student at Columbia College and was making a film titled 'Midnight Movie', which story was about people who LOVED to see old scary movies in the 'Midnight Hour' in a darkened theater with fellow denizens of the 'night'. I first thought to shoot the main part of the film at the old Will Rogers Theater not far away from the Patio. Well, that idea went from good to disaster when I had to negotiate with that grand old man of movie houses in Chicago, Sam Plitt, of the famous Plitt theater chain in Chicago. Sam was quite a character, to put it mildly - all the while I spoke of my film and plans for shooting at the Will Rogers, he just sat there silent and combed what little hair he had left with a 10 cent black plastic comb. I was SO naive - I talked about lights, and excitement, and making a good movie he would like, and credits, etc., finally he stopped me cold and said, 'OK, kid - you can use the theater to shoot your movie - (I started smiling broadly!)- I'll charge you $300.00 an hour - (I stopped smiling broadly!) - With that, 'OK Mr. Plitt, thanks for your time but I guess you missed the part of my talk when I said I'm a student and only have $200.00 TOTAL to offer you!' Loud swearing from Mr. Plitt followed me down the hall to the downtown street. End of the Will Rogers for shooting. I turned (grudgingly!!) to the Patio, which at that time was being leased from the Simms Family by a very nice, friendly man named Evens G. I told him my situation; I needed a theater as a principal location, and again went into my entire 'Busby Berkley' routine as showman to close the deal I desperately needed. Even's knew I was a 20 year old kid, but also knew I could handle everything I was telling him – such as bringing in close to 100 extras, blocking off the street with police assistance, lighting, set-up's, time lines, propping, - you name it, I told him up front.
I also told him I was REALLY BROKE, and could only offer him $200.00 measly dollars for his theatre THE ENTIRE NIGHT! He agreed on the spot (to my amazement - I thought I was going to have to shoot the 'theater' scenes in my aunt's basement using black drape and Roger Corman style creative blocking to make 6 people look like 100 on screen!) He had two stipulations - 1) All the extras and crew had to buy popcorn and sodas from him during the shoot, and 2) his regular movie that night (a HORRIBLE print of Prince's 'Purple Rain') had to go on as scheduled. I agreed as it was no problem for me to convince (aka: CON!) everyone on set to buy popcorn and sodas (I told all the extras to have NOTHING to eat or drink before the shoot because they would be doing much 'eating and drinking' on set!)
My problem now was a photographic one - how in God's name was I going to get the Patio not to look like a total mess and dump ON SCREEN in my movie! I kid you not - the theater looked and smelled worse than Death! A lot of filters, lighting gels, and tin foil later (to create patterns of light on the walls) worked, and the shoot was a total success. I walked up to Evens at the end of the night and had two new $100.00 bills in my hand with a thank you card
for him from me and my film crew. He gave me big smile and said, 'son, you really pulled all of that off, and I thought you were nuts when you first talked to me about this whole thing! - I don't want your money; I know you can't afford it. But I did make more money than I ever have at the candy counter because of you so that's enough for me'. Evens was a man who had absolutely no idea how to really run a movie theater, especially one as elaborate
and complex as the Patio Theatre building! However, he had a very kind heart, and really tried his best but within a year the Patio was shuttered once again. I told all of this for two reasons - one is to illustrate just how bad the Patio had fallen before Alex came in. Second, and most importantly because there is
something 'magnetic' about the Patio - something that draws people of good will and spirit to it, it’s always been that way. Alex started going to see movies at the Patio way back in the early 1950's when he was a student himself, same for Evens, and a great many other people, me included. I can't explain in words why I have always been drawn to that particular theatre - over and over again (and at that time I had no clue as to just how big a role the Patio would eventually have in my life, and how it would forever change me - but I think the theatre knew it, don't ask me how - but it did - those grand walls and cathedral ceilings bathed in amber light had a plan for me before I ever got there). Late 1986 came around and by this time I was traveling the world; luckily working as a film director, and most of the time on my own terms. As much as people wanted me to move to LA, or London - there was simply no way I was going to leave Chicago or the Northwest side - I loved those streets, alleys, old stores, and families that had been there countless decades. I thought correctly that ANYWHERE, and any film job was just a plane trip away so why should I leave a place that gives me so much inspiration, joy and grounding (out in the world by this point I was 'Mr. Antonelli', but on these street's I was still 'Louie', and I loved that no one cared I was a well known filmmaker - most of the old timers I would see sitting on their porches still asked me if I would go to the corner store and get them a pack of Lucky's - and they all still gave me the same quarter 'tip' I got when I was 10 years old!) Yes, all of this answers the frequent questions posted here about the area of Portage Park/Six Corners - it has changed, but only SLIGHTLY - the elder Polish/Jewish/German/Russian and Italian immigrants who have moved in over the last ten years are just as hard working, family oriented, and friendly as the ones that came before them. I may be slightly idealizing - but I'm a serious romantic so you can't blame me for that! Sorry, I strayed from course I was on - in late 1986 Alex came to the Patio - it’s as if she was patiently waiting for him all along; a lover waiting for a lost love. Here is where I come into Alex's life, and he in mine. I was walking past the Patio one afternoon and to my utter amazement I saw an elderly man, elderly past his actual years as that is what happens to someone who works like a bat out of Hell for decades trying to achieve MANY things. Alex was atop a REALLY big scaffold putting a delicate gold streak of paint to one section of embossed plaster trim in the grand foyer. I said to Alex - 'HI!', and he yelled down to me, 'WHAT DO YOU WANT!' That took me aback for a second, and then I replied, 'Oh, not much - I just wanted to say hello to you and thank you for painting that'. He came down from the scaffold covered with splotches of paint, plaster in his hair, glasses specked with paint - flashed a warm smile, and shook my hand. I instantly fell in love with that man - in the way a person can love a great artist by seeing the reflection of his work and soul in his eyes - its always there if you are looking. It was a love that was never wasted, or taken for granted. Alex is a very misunderstood person; People may say he's moody, cheap, gruff, temperamental, self-absorbed, but actually, he is one of THE KINDEST, MOST SINCERE, DEDICATED, GENEROUS, SELF-SACRIFICING, LOYAL, AND THOUGHTFUL people I have ever been lucky enough to meet and know. From that point on I regularly visited Alex, and kept up on his quest to completely (and personally) restore 'a palace of dreams'. After close to two years of 12 hour ++ days, 7 days a week without pause - he completed his masterwork. In 1988 to walk into the Patio was akin to stepping into a master crafted, hand made, one of a kind time machine. EVERYTHING was PERFECT! Alex had missed not the slightest detail. To see his face then was to look into the eyes of a father who found a long lost child; a child that was buried in grime, dirt, lustful bodily fluids, spit, and decay - the father wadded through all of this to see his child reborn - like a blazing Phoenix, and now she stood before him on her own two feet. She was no longer crippled; rather she was dancing in the light of stained glass windows, laughing with a child's innocent, simple joy. Yes, I saw this - the beauty of life unfolding in glory; a moment in life that can only be seen if you believe, in the unbelievable. The joy of rebirth of any grand movie palace is something we all can relate to within this forum, but that moment with Alex was a moment of such innocent purity - a moment of such CINEMA! You would have cried as I did. Alex set an opening date for his palace, and I bought the first ticket (which I still cherish), but on opening day one would have thought everyone for miles would have come to see the rebirth of this new beautiful child - back to reality though, no more than 75 people showed up. None of this mattered to Alex, he knew people would come eventually - and slowly they did, but NEVER as much as he deserved! Let's set aside the massive physical and emotional repercussions of such a mammoth project for ONE MAN ALONE to undertake, and succeed in doing; let's look at the fact that Alex CARED about an audience - CARED about what each person walking through the entrance of the Patio experienced. From 1988 to 2001 Alex offered true SPLENDOR, true BEAUTY, true ELEGANCE, and true authentic SHOWMANSHIP; for the small sum of $2.00! Alex wanted his palace to be open and affordable to anyone - and of course he did just that for every person who ever walked through the doors of the Patio during those years. Think about it, $2.00 - what was the last thing of quality and loving dedication you received in the last 20 years for $2.00? It was all there right on Irving and Austin - and it was ONLY there because of Alex K. He is the LAST of his line - NO ONE will do again what he did all alone, and with many people against him. He offered a 'Dream Palace' to all - and sincere quality, beauty, and grace - and got nothing in return but his own satisfaction of 'having done it' (which I know was more than enough for him!) What else did Alex achieve, well I can tell you - He demanded along with me that only the finest of film prints be shown at the Patio. You see film distributors as a practice send 'second' prints to 'cheap' theaters - what is a 'second' print? It’s a movie print that has errors in it such as color shifts, poor contrast, timing errors, and overall is not what the makers of the movie ever want you to see. These prints are mistakes the labs made when creating them, and they offer these copies of movies to the distributors VERY cheaply, as part of an entire print run of a movie. They do this so that they can get something for the film stock, and not have to deal with disposal. These prints are not terrible, but they are very far from the quality of all 'standard’ prints made for a given movie (let alone the 'Master A prints' that are saved for exhibition in Los Angeles and New York, and film festivals as a rule). Alex could not stand inferior prints, and fought to keep them out of the Patio - most times he succeeded, and went personally to pick up the films himself at the distribution depot that were shown at the Patio. I cleaned EVERY film print that came into the Patio before it was shown - and also cleaned the projectors, gates and lenses constantly. When we had 'special films at the Patio such as 'Gone With The Wind', or 'The Wizard Of Oz'- which require specific gates and lenses so when projected they are seen as originally intended - not cropped, stretched, or blown up visually - we got the equipment we needed from another amazing man; Jim Bond! (Alex and I would have been in many a serious problem countless times without his help and donations to the Patio of equipment and last minute favors - God bless him!) I think you get the picture - we cared at the Patio, we cared about quality, we cared about audiences; and no one did more so than Alex. I worked with Alex many years, but I also had a demanding film career to constantly tend to. Alex offered me total freedom; freedom to train people who had some knowledge of basic projection to slowly learn the craft of Carbon Arc Projection on vintage Simplex E7 machines (these are projectors that require an operator to really be aware at all times what is being projected to the screen - maintaining the focus of light from Carbon rods, checking oil levels, maintaining visual lens focus which varies due to temperature and elements within the projection booth, etc.) I trained several people, and in no time was handling both my career and the projection at the Patio. When I was away doing a film - I called daily, both Alex, and the operators so I would know all was fine, and could also fix problems by phone if needed. Alex had that kind of faith and trust in people he knew cared as much as he did about the Patio. Again, tell me when was the last time you worked with a person like that! I am a bit bitter, and I'm sure it shows in my writing - I do not feel Alex has been given his due for all he offered, and sweated for. When I read above 'the city will not allow the Patio to be open as long as this man owns it', it made me wonder why in hell I love this city so much! Chicago is BLESSED to have Alex, and his rich legacy - Chicago should be proud that Alex made his mark here! I know this as a certainty - CHICAGO, CINEMA, and countless lives would not be as richly gifted without this one man. Alex, there are many of us who know what you did, and thank you from our hearts. You made our lives much richer because you are part of it. I have long since moved away from my old northwest side haunts, but when I'm in the area I always go by the Patio to see her (its that 'magnetic' thing I talked about earlier - that palace is just a part of me, and I a part of her!) On some of those occasions when I visit, I run into Alex, and it feels like I'm 'home' again. I will close by saying two things I believe to the depth of my soul - The Patio is herself a true wonder, and gift from ages past - but it took one man named Alex to transform her into a true legend. Alex, to me (and many others) you will forever be - 'The Wizard of Austin Boulevard'!!!!
Louis Antonelli, Quadrama/FILM.

Wow! What does one say to such an encomium? I have never seen the like of the above posts on this site, maybe because men of the description of "Alex" are that rare. I guess we just have to envy Mr Antonelli's experiences with the PATIO, since sometimes such passionately held memories are all we have. I guess he brought home to me, for one, just how tepid are my own experiences with the memorable theatres in my home town, only 90 miles north of his.

Your writing may be long for this site, and you may be almost ignorant of paragraphing, Louis, but your deep feelings are warmly contagious, and I can only say "Thanks For The Memory ..." as Bob Hope so often sang, and I send my hope that you and Alex and the PATIO long endure!

Dear Jim, Thank you for your kind reply about my writings concerning the Patio Theatre. Indeed, people such as Alex are that rare - but unfortunately in our REAL World (as opposed to an idealized view of the REEL one!) when one displays abundant passion, dedication, beliefs, and principles - one runs the serious risk of being hated by the masses, and is often marked for eventual ruin by same. It’s an ancient tale of warning, passed down through the millennia; to display greatness beyond ordinary 'expectation' brings the bearer of such gifts to the intimate gaze of the hangmen. Unfortunately (or in my view, fortunately) some people just don’t give a damn about the hangmen! People such as this are not afraid to stare back, and wink.

Lastly, I am not ignorant in any way concerning 'paragraphing', or any of the other rudiments of English Composition. I am in actuality an internationally published writer. I composed both of my posts to this site within this supplied comment box. Both times I wrote freely without the benefit of editing or actual thought of proper punctuation as a rule. I did however have my paragraphs well structured, but each time I went to 'preview' the submission this system formatted as it saw fit, totally disregarding my original.
Likely you are correct that this site does not really care for 'long' pieces. If I am ignorant of anything, its computers -
and many aspects of Human 'motivations'.
Louis Antonelli, Quadrama/FILM

Well, Mr. Rankin, I have to say shame on you! You took the time to look up the word "encomium" to possibly give Mr. Antonelli a compliment, and yet threw in the word "ignorant" the way someone masks an insult by prefacing it with an expression of praise. As far as paragraphing and being brief, it is these shortcuts and get-to-the-point attitudes that miss the true beauty in the smallest and even the largest of things. You may think that I have unleashed a beast of sorts in sending these readers to seek out Mr. Antonelli, but I think that I have given you access to a much clearer and truer history of the Patio Theater. Isn't this what you all have been asking for? Or were these entries of interest simply a passing of time; a break from the stale routine of manhandling the remote, eating a frozen dinner and scratching your ass? If you really admire the beauty of the Patio Theater and have wonderful memories of it, then you would more than appreciate the poetry of Lou's words and how he brings to vivid life the Patio Theater. With his magic, he took black letters on a white screen and created a three-dimensional, Technicolor short film for you. A looking glass to step into and find a wonderland on the other side. Is Mr. Antonelli verbose? Maybe. Passionate? Absolutely. But how fortunate for us readers that he took the time to prepare for us this intricate meal. Something to go back to and read and re-read and digest. Something to fill our cups up with and slowly sip and savor. It is these stories that should be kept alive and passed on through the generations because it is not only part of the history of Chicago, but of a neighborhood and of a people.

I will accept no foolishly-sent words of shame, nor did I damn Mr Antonelli's messages with faint praise as this hasty woman implies. The word "ignorant" is not opprobrious as many shallow people seem to think, but merely means 'unknowning' and people of humility all admit that there are things they do not know. Mr. Antonelli explained how his paragraphing was ruined by some computer malaise, and that was sufficient explaination for all others, or perhaps you did not notice those words. The Patio is a wonderful theatre which I once had the pleasure of visiting and I mourn its closing, but neither it nor Mr. Antonelli need any erstwhile 'champion' to defend them when they are not under attack. I will not dignify such petty sniping with further response.

My God, I had no wish to open a 'snipe' between people by my posting detailed pieces concerning the Patio Theatre, and my involved history with same. I was under the impression (by casual glance) that this site was intended for people who have a genuine love and PASSION for Cinema, not for silly amateur ‘reviews’ - Amazon.com style!

I am sincerely thankful to cathy for mentioning me, and the Patio in this forum. She is neither 'foolish', nor 'hasty', Mr. Rankin! She actually shares an opinion that a great many people also feel; You do seem to enjoy using your particular style of 'vernacular' to stroke, then slap in the same instant. I have received a great many emails about this (from people who can personally contact me, and do not wish to have what they write be publicly available on this site) concerning your comment posted after my two 'LONG' posts. Some, upon viewing my reply to you, 'read between the lines' quite accurately and knew I gave you a good slap right back! I actually HATE all of this nonsense!
I tried my best to provide to people here something cathy selflessly wished them to have - DETAILS.

My motivations to write extensively here were not for self-promotion, nor personal gain in any way. Actually, my motivation was simple; I wished to 'champion' Alex K., and all he accomplished - and to expose people to 'histories' they could not possibly know otherwise. I was quite angered when I read your high brow response to cathy; I have not seen, nor talked to her for a great many years, but that does not mean I would hesitate to defend her, or her pure motivations and intentions. Also, do not presume what I would, or would not appreciate - actually, I would be humbled to have cathy as a 'champion', any day of the week!

If you really would like to know what I 'think' Mr. Rankin, its quite easy to get in touch with me through agents, and other avenues within the Entertainment Business. If you did so, you would hear words not found in Webster's College Desk Reference - rather you would be privy to words I became expert in using right in the back alleys near the Patio Theatre - and I assure you, when using them I am quite VERBOSE!
Louis Antonelli, Quadrama/FILM.
(BTW - I'm OVERJOYED!! I finally learned how to 'paragraph' on this damn system - a small chimp named Moe came over and gave me one of those 'Dummies' guides! While I tried desperately not to show him how ignorant I am, he had no patience and slapped me around a while. After much abuse, I finally got it!)

Mr. Antonelli's response above illustrates just why I do not comment more than I do concerning many posts on this site and others. My words have been interpreted and stretched quite beyond their original meaning and intent, and that ruins any rational hope of intelligent discourse. It seems Mr. Antonelli felt it decessary to stand up and shout a defense for a mere woman, but such bravado does not really serve anyone, don't you see. I apologize if my choice of words irritated Mr. Antonelli, since I thought that I made it clear that I admired both the Patio and his accounts of it. Now, so as to not make more of a mountain out of a mole hill, I will drop the subject entirely and hope that voices of self-control will prevail.

As an unbiased third party, i'd like to say that I read Mr. Rankin's comment as the compliment it was apparently intended to be. It is possible to compliment and offer gentle criticism at the same time. It seemed clear to me that he was using the word 'ignorant' in its original, rarely-used sense; literally, ignoring the conventions of paragraphing. (And I think a comment like "Or were these entries of interest simply a passing of time; a break from the stale routine of manhandling the remote, eating a frozen dinner and scratching your ass?" is far cruder. It did not seem to me that he was saying it was overlong; rather that it was far more detailed than almost any post seen here.

Thank you so much for posting your vivid recollections of the Patio, Mr. Antoneli. It inspired me to drive out there yesterday in the rain to look at it and see what it would bring out in me. However, going there, I saw an unexpected sight: The sides of the marquee have been covered over by vinyl advertising banners for a local Cingular Wireless outlet! Perhaps the strangest part about this advertising display is that at the bottom is the text that has occupied the side panels for years now: advertising the "Theater Renovation" that, by all appearances, has not and is not occuring. Otherwise, the marquee remains sad and forlorn, missing its neon, bulbs, and beaten by the ravages of trucks having backed into it. Large sections of paint seem to have fallen away this winter. I really hope that marquee glows again one day. Maybe another knight like Alex can swoop in and bring it back.

Yeah, I'd have to say that Jim Rankin is one of the more astute contributors on Cinema Treasures. I don't think he had anything but the best of intentions.

I am also a Patio fan. It is one thing when a theatre is in ruins and finally put out of it's misery (Like the 4 Star on Madison). It is quite another when a well-maintained structure like this is destroyed. Here's hoping that a solution can be found for the challenges now facing the Patio.

Damn! Oops! S@#*! Yikes! Alright, I think it's all out now. Where is that chimp when you need him?! Crude, I have never been called. Straight with a captial "S" is what I've heard most often. Doesn't matter. I stand by my entry. The word "ignorant" implies the lack of knowledge and education, which is as inaccurate as you can get when describing the Lou Antonelli I remember. (And for the record, I am more than a "mere" woman. Jeesh!!) As far as the rest of my entry, my words were not meant for one person in particular, but for all the armchair romantics. I saw inaccuracies in the entries and, since I have a personal connection to the Patio, I became a bit irked. (Plus I knew I would get a chuckle out of Lou!) In my entries, my intentions were innocent, although, I admit my sarcasm may have been misunderstood and unappreciated. In my ingnorance, I should have replaced "ass" with "behind" or "bottom", which I know are the choices I prefer my kids to use.

In the early 60's, I went to the Will Rogers theater. That was my neighborhood. I remember the stage performances before the movie and the raffles. I think I won a few times. How disappointing it was to go back so many years later and see an ugly strip mall. Unfortunately, I think we all know what the inevitable fate of the Patio is. It would be grand if, as Mr. Wolf writes, "another knight like Alex can swoop in and bring it back." At least it is comforting to know that as long as this site is in existence, all who visit will be able to read Mr. Antonelli's tribute to the Patio and Alex K. and know that it is true and accurate. A memory to secure in a scrapbook for posterity. This in itself makes all the emotions and ruffled feathers I seem to have stirred all worth while.

I am signing off, much to the delight of many! But I will continue to return to check on the Patio and her fate. Ciao.

chigirl243@yahoo.com

Louis,

Is this film available anywhere? I'd love to see it!

Is the Barton still in the theater??? Anybody know??

I think so.

I looked into the lobby last night. It is in good shape, which is a pretty good indicator as to the state of the entire theatre.

There were rumours that the Barton was sold---broken up for parts etc. This was (or is) a fine example of the Barton product and with the popularity of the organ/silent movie venue, it could help any future operater!![ Especialy in THAT theater--WOW!!]Hope you are correct and it's still there!!

I'm 99% certain the organ is still there.

thanks much for Barton info!!!!

Here are photos of this theater.

I grew up in Norridge in the late 50s, early 60s. The nearest theaters were the Patio, MontClare and the Harlem-Irving outdoor theater (hard to believe there was a drive-in theater at that busy intersection!!) Anyway, my mother used to prounounce it the "pay-shee-oh" theater. Was that correct?

There is a discussion of this farther up the Comments, but, no, she was not correct. PAT-ee-o is the proper pronunciation of this Spanish word meaning 'courtyard,' in English context.

Not sure if this has already been posted on this page, but it looks like it was taken in the Patio's lobby.

is this theatre for sale or the building?

The Cingular Wireless banner is gone. The marquee still says PATIO RENOVATING.

I am a Chicago grandmother who took her 4 grandkids to the Patio to see movies like Lion King, etc.

I remember the reason being one of economy and of course loving the big screen and single screen theatres of days gone by. Was the minimal admission a factor in it closing? Believe it was 2 bucks in the 1990's.

Would a higher admission have averted some of the problems? Just curious.

OK, third try at posting this :-(

According to my wife who lived 1 block West on Irving Park Rd, many of the locals (especially the kids), pronounced the name as,"Pay Show". A deliberate play on the word, having nothing to do with any other language influence. Skip

To Chrisk36, Alex agonized over raising the price from $2 to $3 for a long time. It allowed us to get films sooner after 1st run but we risked losing customers to video. The studios took 50% of the box office, sometimes up front. The cost of renting the prints, licensing, insurance, heat were too much to bear. Then the A/C blew up. I still miss the place. We could have a movie on the screen in less than an hour as we left the booth in ready condition.

Alex, really miss this theatre. Logan is my place now for movies as I am on fixed income. Of course, now my grandkids work and pay for their own movies. If I drove I might be going to the LaGrange theatre more often. It's another good buy but too far for me.

Also the Village Art which is closed now. I dreamed of having my own theatre that showed all the old movies yet again on the big screen. Thank God for the Outdoor Film Festival 7/17 to 8/28

Correction, had a senior moment. Meant to address Patiomike.

If you're looking for an inexpensive classic theater, try the LaSalle Bank Cinema at 4901 W Irving Park Rd in Chicago. A classic film+short is shown every Saturday night at 8pm. A loosely themed program runs for 6mos. starting in January and June. Admission is $5, less for seniors. Entrance and free parking is at the rear. Check the Reader for films as they are out of schedule booklets and the June edition is not ready.

Bryan, your photo is the lobby soon after it was fully cleaned and repainted. It was taken for an article about the theater and Chicago film makers that I recall was a Reader cover story. Alex, the owner, is resting his hand on the shoulder of Louis Antonelli, lead projectionist and noted Chicago film maker. He taught me the trade. The other two at the right are associates of his. Lighting all the lobby's lights added at least $100 to the electric bill in the late 90's so we only lit the box office's "crown" and one or two bright bulbs in the chandelier.

Patiomike, aware of LaSalle, been there several times and only 3 bucks for me. These are the real oldies which I love. However it's 8 at nite and sometimes especially in bad weather not doable.
Couple years back saw Tarzan Of The Apes. I don't drive. Hope Patio makes a comeback in some form.

Is the Patio currently for sale/rent?

do we have a price???

meaning?...

As far as I know, the building is not for sale. Renting may be a possibility but many upgrades would be needed. Codes were strengthened after a recent incident at a Chicago night club. An electric generator sufficient to replace power during an outage would be needed. Also, the air conditioner needs to be replaced. The electrical system, while sound, is original to the building and would probably need to be upgraded. The nearby Portage Theater has been modernized this way and is a success. There is a phone number on the building's office entrance. It might be worth a try.

Keeping the original dynamics intact would be the best thing for this theatre. If they can be reconditioned or repaired I think it would help add to the unseen feel the Movie Palaces project. I have seen a boiler, and original electrical system firsthand in a like theatre(RIP), and think that even though they are bigger and maybe largly ineffecient when compared to todays technology, if they can still be reused it would help the theater to stay true to what it is.

It wouldn't be impossible, just expensive. The building is basically sound, the organ and projection equipment is in place and should need minimal work to get going. We had a giant ventilation motor rewired a few months before closing and the boiler was recently repaired. We also had a new popcorn machine. Updated wiring and such would help make it what it once was.

Patiomike, I'm SO glad that you have been posting to the site and have been able to share your experiences and knowledge of the Patio Theatre. Any chance you have any photos to share as well?

I don't have photos but, I shot a brief video as a college project just before the theater reopened in 1987. Mostly pans of the interior with no script, just theater organ music. I remember the theater in its evil period. Dirty, usually closed, litter strewn... then I saw work getting done so I poked around. I met Alex and pitched the idea. Soon, I was setting up lights and lugging around a giant video camera. I don't remember my grade but Alex was pleased with his copy. I'll dig up the tape and make you a copy. How can I get it to you? Maybe someone can post it on this site.

Patiomike, That is very thoughtful of you, but I was hoping to see more interior shots of the Patio. There have been many exterior images shared on this site, but only one or two of the interior. It would be nice for those truly interested in the Patio to see what it looks like on the inside.

Patiomike, what is you connection with the Patio? Thanks for your suggestion about the number on the office. Actually, I stopped by the place tonight before I saw your post. As mentioned above, I'm sad to say it looks like the marquee has been hit by a couple trucks. Most of the neon is gone. At some point all the bulbs were removed from the underside of the marquee as well, not sure why.

I am in real estate. My interest is related to some clients who are interested in acquiring some theatres to create a chain of classic cinemas.

I'll go back and look for the number. Thanks.

Found the number. It doesn't work. Any other suggestions?

Yes, I have a suggestion - ask some of the business owners located on the property of the Patio Theatre site if they have a contact number for the owner(s), or leave your number with many of them including a note to pass on. The post above by Mike is quite correct; it’s not impossible, but it will be VERY expensive to reopen The Patio Theatre. The theatre SHOULD be open, as she is one of the crown jewels of Chicago! I can tell you (first hand) that it took one man alone; a dreamer, a singular man of GREAT ingenuity, practical strength, and character to bring her back to life in the first place, circa 1987 (and keep her beautiful & open, with pride for 14 years without pause). One man alone, damning the torpedoes! I wonder how many here really appreciate what that means? I am sorry if I sound hardened, but I just don't see another of his kind coming along to bring the kind of selfless love & devotion The Patio needs anytime soon - good intentions aside.

Who is Patiomike? (I'll tell you, as he is too modest to give you a full picture) Mike is a terrific, warm hearted, VERY dedicated man who learned (to mastery) the craft of carbon arc projection on vintage dual Simplex E7's, faster than anyone I ever met. He saved my a** on many occasions at The Patio when other professional business took me away (I was her chief projectionist for 9 wonderful years, & Mike was my right arm - second operator). If anyone reopens The Patio - you are an idiot if you don't try to hire Mike, and PAY HIM WELL! I'm glad you are helping folks out with some info on this site Mike - God knows you have more patience with Cinema Treasures (Re: Patio Theatre) than I do.
Louis Antonelli

A possible remedy for impatience - enjoy a few glasses of Dago Red while humming the tune "The Ants Go Marching."

What about the guy who owns the card shop next door to the patio? I have been in there a few times(being an avid Magic player and all),I believe that is part of the building, does anybody know where he stands in all this?

I am curious, bing, about your client's business plan. It is not often at all that someone wakes up one day and decides to open up a chain of theatres comprised of vintage real estate. It is even less often that they succeed.

I am writing an article on old movie houses in or near Jefferson Park, Chicago; if anyone has any photos available inside or out of the building, either as the Times or the Holiday Ballroom please contact me. Also looking for photos of the Jefferson Nickelodeon, Gateway, Portage and PATIO. Were there any others nearby that I didn't mention? I will try the Library and Historical Society files too. Roughly looking between Cicero & Austin, Irving and Bryn Mawr Ave's.

P.S. left off my e-mail robabank1@excite.com

The film, 'THE WIZARD OF AUSTIN BOULEVARD' (mentioned in prior posts,), will be shown at the Portage Theater on Saturday, September 15, as part of the "Preserving Palaces" festival. For more information, go to the Portage Theater website, www.portagetheater.org Also, an entire evening will be devoted to the films of Louis Antonelli on Sunday, September 16. Just thought true Patio Theater admirers would want to know.

Louis Antonelli informed me that Alex, the owner of the Patio Theater, will be part of a discussion panel at the Portage screening on 9/16. Bring your questions to Louis and Alex. You'll find them to be interesting and knowledgeable characters.

Bill Morton, formerly of the Adelphi can do wonderful things. I will see if I can contact him.

Very nice of Patiomike to mention that Alex will be taking part in the panel discussion (and many are very pleased Alex will be making this appearance and sharing his insights,
I have received many calls and emails about it!) However, the actual date is Saturday, September 15 at the Historic Portage Theater. This panel discussion will close the two day 'Preserving Palaces' Film Festival. I will not be a part of the panel, but will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Patio Theatre, and classic movie palaces in general. My film about the Patio and Alex, 'The Wizard Of Austin Boulevard' will be shown that same night of the Festival. Hope to see you all at this wonderful event.
Thank You,
Louis Antonelli
Quadrama/Film

I ride past this on the bus every morning. The marquis said "renovating." Anyone have any news?

Disregard that. It's always said that. Means nothing.

Here is a recent photo of the Patio Theater.

I wonder what the inside looks like?

Here are a couple of photos of the lobby. The auditorium is reportedly in similarly excellent condition.

I spoke to the owner last September. He keeps the theater heated in winter and does a bit of cleaning. The place is just as we left it. We could have a movie on the screen in no time at all. If anyone knows how to repair the cooling units used on WW2 Liberty Ships, we could get the A/C working again. It's the same type of unit used to keep food cold aboard ship. A Navy vet used to keep it going but when he died he took the secrets with him.

It puzzles me as to why this theatre closed in the first place. I know the area somewhat, and I believe it's fair to say that this is a densely populated neighborhood, solidly middle class, and not over-flowing with movie theatres. The Music Box Theatre on Southport, which I would say is a similar theatre in a similar neighborhood, seems to do very well. And as has been stated by others here, the nearby Portage is successful. The Patio doesn't have much parking as I recall, but neither does the Music Box. What is working against the Patio?

There are many reasons why we closed. In short, the fixed costs were just too high. Print rentals plus the box office take for the studio for one. Heating and electrical costs in the hundreds per night, no A/C, high costs for concessions, lighting, licenses... I don't know how he was able to stay open as long as he did. We averaged about 50-60 people per night. Alex agonized over raising the box office price to $3. We had to in order to get films before they went to video. Attendance fell anyway. We tried more esoteric films but there was no interest. Studio restrictions prevented us from going first run. Local newspapers would often print incorrect schedule info so we gave up on that. Organ concert attendance began to dwindle as the audience aged. Inspite of dedicated volunteer labor, maintenance was needed constantly and was still costly. I would love nothing more than to say hi to Alex and step into the booth again. The reality of running a theater make that impossible.

Patiomike, thanks for the explanation. Do you have any insight as to how other theaters, such as the Music Box or the Portage, seem to be profitable?

The Music Box's location plays a large part in it's success. It's much closer to a market more interested in small, independent films. Don't forget, before video, they were strictly a revival house and teetered on the brink many times. The second screening room is a help. Plus, parking is available. The Patio's neighbors preferred a more mainstream offering. Family friendly films made money. Anything ambitious left the room empty. The Portage is an entirely different animal. The Patio was run like a conventional movie theater. The Portage is run more like a cultural foundation. Although its present operator has made a significant personal investment similar to Alex, the theater is rented by exhibitors who are responsible for marketing their product. That shields the theater from risk somewhat. And the Silent Film Society was a going concern before moving there. The Portage Park/6 Corners area is also a darling of local politicians interested in its rebirth. They've provided assistance not available in the Patio's neighborhood. Once again, available parking helps. And a first class A/C and a large stage. I've often wondered, if we had an unlimited supply of money and did everything we could for the Patio, would people come? Would we recoup the investment? As Alex has often said, "I bought an apartment building and the theater was thrown in for free."

Well, its nice to know the theater has been maintained to the point that it could be opened rather quickly. BIG kudos to the owner for that. Too many movie palaces have been left to fall apart after the doors are closed and then the place is picked apart and anyone that would want to reopen it at a later time is left with an overwhelming task just to open the doors, much less show movies or have stage performances.

>>>If anyone knows how to repair the cooling units used on WW2 Liberty Ships, we could get the A/C working again.<<<

Patiomike, I'm on a quest for this now!! :)
I have Navy people at my disposal that will try to go through their archives and find any blueprints, schmatics, or manuals on this type of thing. :)

In the early 1960's, my grandparents lived on Dakin and Marmora..about a block away from the Patio. I was about 4 years old at the time, and my grandfather took me to see "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao." I remember looking up at the starry ceiling. It was a humid summer night, and after the movie, he carried me home. I am 48 now and that memory will always be with me.

I know someone who is familiar and experienced with maintenance of old theaters. I think it would be worthwhile for Alex to ask him to walk through and take a look at things sometime. Perhaps he could advise the owner on what really needs to be done to get those matters up to snuff. He might even have a decent idea about how to do something about repairing that A/C.

This just in: According to my friend who claims to know the Montsenior at St. Pascal's Church - just up the road from The Patio: The owner went on vacation, and the business license expired. When he tried to get it renewed, the City of Chicago said "To run a movie theatre, you need to have parking space for at least 25 cars." Because the license already expired, he missed the grandfather clause. Now I'm sure if that's the case: There are several businesses with ample parking just a block from the theatre that for the right price would love to hire out 25 spots, and would probably do it for the advertising alone. They should be approached. Anyone know how to Mowemy Po Polsku? :)

The monsignor is somewhat mistaken. The business licence had not expired and the owner was not on vacation. A complicated dispute over the number of useable seats played a much larger part. The number of seats, among other things, determines the Public Place of Amusement License fee. Instead of resolving the dispute, the city chose to force our closure. There is only one nearby business with a parking lot. In early days, it was available to us. After a change of ownership, requests for access were refused. It always seemed strange to us, when discussing parking, to see empty buses roll by.

Another classic I never got to go to (or if I did, I'm too young to remember). Truly a shame. I drive by this theater all the time and the marquee unfortunately looks like it's collapsing. Looks like there may be too many roadblocks to reopen it. Really too bad in light of the Portage's success and judging from some of the pictures, the inside of the theter looks to still be in pretty good shape-

To anyone with some insider info...

I am a photographer based in Chicago and am looking for neglected locations throughout Chicago to host a photo shoot. I am looking to use a beautifully surreal space as a backdrop for an interior design catalogue and think The Patio would be a great place.

If anyone has any information about making this a reality, please get in contact with me at your earliest convenience. Thanks in advance.

Carey Primeau
primo@careyprimeau.com

Patiomike,

As I mentioned above, I am in real estate development. I have had a conversation with Alex and am working with a group seriously interested in the revitalization of The Patio. I would like to write to you with a few questions off this sight and if you would be so kind as to consider that, please contact me at mweber@ksgmac.com

My thanks,
Michael

Well, I hope someone does something with it. I'd love to have a tour of the inside. Can we arrange it? Pretty please? :)

Drop me a note: nainchicagorocks@sbcglobal.net

After a few months of reading postings here and there on this forum I finally created an account =P. I grew up around this neighborhood. I guess I was fortunate enough to be able to enter the doors of the Patio (pat-ee-oh) while Mr. Alex and Mr. Antonelli were running things. I attended St. Ferdinand Elementary School K-8 and I would go to the Patio with my family and/or friends pretty often. You can't beat $2 (when the price was raised I remember being confused, haha)!

From reading the other posts it seems I'm one of the youngin's on here. Just once, even if it were just one more time (although, I would be very happy, along with everyone else here, to see it open again), I would like to step through those doors and have that "feeling." It's a feeling you can't get going to Crown Village or an AMC; the grandeur is lost there.

If someone were to hold a special event to celebrate the magnificence that is the Patio theater, I would be at that event in a heart beat; standing in line underneath the flashing marquee, $2 in hand (or $3 haha).

I just want that "feeling" back.

An ad in the movie listings in the January 29, 1927 Chicago Tribune announces the opening of the Patio:

CHICAGO'S NEWEST AMUSEMENT CENTER
PATIO THEATRE
6008 West Irving Park Blvd.
opens today at 5:30
Gala Opening Program
Lewis Stone - Doris Kenyon
"The Blonde Saint"
Stage Specialties - Comedy - News Reels
10 Piece Patio Theatre Symphony Orchestra
$60,000 Great Barton Concert Organ

Quadrama: May I make a suggestion? If you're going to post very long posts like the one you've posted, you might wish to break them up into individual paragraphs to make the posts easier to read. Hope I've been of some help here.

Does anyone know why the "renovation" on the marquee was taken down?

Maybe because the marquee, itself, was getting so beat up that it, too, is now in need of renovation. ;-)

Here is another photo of the Patio Theater.

I am trying to reach Patiomike from above posts. We are interested in forming a Save the Patio neighborhood group to raise money for the restoration and preservation of this beautiful theater. Anybody with info please contact me at e mail below.

"LETS SAVE AND REOPEN THE PATIO THEATER"

Thanks
Dan
dklauck@comcast.net

It looks like a gorgeous theatre, both inside and out. Sure hope you guys can save it, for your own sake, although I'm not a resident of the Chicago area, or the State of Illinois, generally.

My mother was born in 1921 and lived most of her first 35 years or so a few blocks from the Patio on Mason Ave.--including, probably, when the theater opened! She always called it the PAY-show. I remember my dad taking me there to see Disney's Peter Pan. I would have been about 4 at the time (yes, it was a VERY big deal!).

How cool, MK49er! Thanks for the sweet little story about your mom, you and the Patio Theatre.

they should reopen this place

Good luck to all of you down there. Hope they re-open the Patio Theatre for you.

http://members.fortunecity.com/patioman1/

The above website has a nice interior view of the Patio.

This, too, looks like a nice theatre inside.

Here is a photo of the Patio from July 1982. There was more left of the bottom part of the support for the former vertical sign at that time than there is now. Does anyone know when they took off the vertical sign on the Patio?

The marquee still looked great then, how I remember it when I went there when I was a boy. It's too bad the marquee has fallen into such disrepair since it closed.

Here is another 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/d9t4p3

For PATIO to remain standing profoundly disused for so many years sort of tells me the owner awaits even expects the right terms to be brought them for putting it back in business. Optimism, can't fault them for that. Otherwise it'd've wiped away already, right?

I think of other disused old neighborhood movie palaces that came back to life after years, but unfortunately I can think of some--Montclare is one--the owner seemed to want to but after time ultimately gave up the ghost. With that in mind what're the realistic odds for the PATIO--there's poor street parking and it ain't of any architectural significance.

My mom worked in the patio theater from about 1991 till 1998 and would often take me to work with her, at one time we lived in the apartment building attached to the Patio. After so many years of being around the Patio and essentially growing up there I share some of Mr. Antonelli's memories of the Patio and of Alex K. Although I was too young at the time to think of the Patio in the same way I think of it now, I would love to be able to see a movie in it. Going into a new theatre today is boring and bland. Even if the movie was bad you wouldn't be disappointed because of all of the things you could see while in the theatre. I remember on some days I would try to sneak into the projection booth and would see all of the posters on the wall and the big projectors and tubes of metal rods used to light the projectors. I also remember Mr. Antonelli and that he was very serious about his work at the Patio, when i try to remember way back I remember when "The Wizard of Austin Boulevard" was being filmed at the Patio and it was full of wires and lighting equipment. I think those who have worked in the Patio have an extra special bond with the place, even someone like me who as a little boy helped my parents clean up the empty popcorn buckets and pop cups. I also know that there were others who devoted their time to help keep the Patio running, and to the best of my knowledge they did this for free. The three gentleman would come in on Saturdays and fix-up the place. I don't remember a whole lot about them, but maybe PatioMike or Mr. Antonelli can help me out here, I remember them as Mr. Richard (DIc), Mr. Jim, and Mr. Jerry.

Dave K

Wow the marquee is really getting beat up

Re.: PATIO marquee -

trucks keep ramming it, can't say why this should be a particular problem in more recent times. Someone else can speculate?

Here's a picture I took of the Patio on May 24, 2008:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce_theatres/3555763032/

This is a recent photo.

classic cinemas are you listening?

I remember something strange about this theater. Maybe I just dreamed it but I think that when you entered the auditorium you had to step down. Or was it up? Maybe somebody will straighten me out.

There is an inclined ramp that you have to go up when you enter the auditorium.

You had to walk up the ramp from the lobby between the stadium style seating areas at the rear. The bathrooms were in the basement, though.

Reactivate notification status.

Any recent photos of the exterior, interior or any news

exterior hasn't changed since the last pics were posted, as far as I know I haven't heard anything from the owner about planning to reopen.

The Patio Theatre made an appearance (in vector form) in my comic strip Multiplex today: http://www.multiplexcomic.com/archive.php?name=416

(The two characters in the strip are making a habit of visiting classic theaters in the Chicago area; one is a photography buff, the other a budding classic movie theater buff. Chicago's Calo Theatre has previously appeared, and they will be visiting more in the future, as well.)

Photography purists will be more interested in this recent gallery (from July, 2009) of Patio Theatre pics at my Flickr account, however: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mycatispunk/tags/ctid272/

I think the theatre may be open according to this site
http://members.fortunecity.com/patioman1/id18.htm

The Patio is most certainly not open; that web page is just 8 years old. It closed in 2001, when The Mummy Returns was new to theaters.

Oh sorry my bad

Just one more question. Does this place have a balcony.

No, it doesn't have a balcony. Instead, it has several rows of seats that are arranged at the back of the auditorium in rising tiers, stadium-style.

These seats were roped-off for years and unavailable to patrons.

Oh thank you

There is a new facebook page "Fans of Chicago's Historic Patio Theatre". Join it.

I wonder if the current owners will open the theatre once the economy gets fixed.
They wouldn't have to do much, it in perfect condition.

Jwballer, its been the same owner since the early 80's. The economy had nothing to do with the closure its the city charging unreasonably high fees for the public place of amusement license. The balcony is never used in the theatre, yet the PPA license charges per seat, the city never used to charge him for the balcony seats, but at one point they told him that to avoid an increase in the fee all the balcony seats would have to be removed.

I just had a nice long chat with the theater's owner - he called me right out of the blue. He's thinking seriously of reopening. He's discussing the repair or possible replacement of the A/C with local technicians. He's also looking into making repairs to the bathrooms, a fresh paint job, and refurbishment of the marquee. With the Brickyard theaters closed, there's a better chance of opening as a first run theater. He is regularly stopped on the street and asked "when will you reopen?" He reads these posts regularly so now's your chance to let him know you support the effort.

P.S. DaveK is correct about the balcony seat dilemma. Removal of the seats would have made the room too reverberant making dialog hard to hear.

Well, I hope that Alex has been taking care of the theatre since it closed almost 9 years ago. I think that he should re-open it as a multi-purpose venue, like the Portage. It'll never make it as a first run theatre. Some of these film companies want you to play a film for up to 4 weeks. That's fine if you have a megaplex with various seat counts in each auditorium; but a single screen theatre? Forget about it.

This is one of the sole survivors of the 1920's and the beginning of the multiplex theatres. It would be GREAT if the Patio Re-Opens.

Agree with Tim Oneill. I think the market has only gotten more competitive since the Patio closed. The next chapter would have to have a multi-use format. That is, unless Alex is planning to run it at a loss against rental revenue from the rest of the building just for fun. If he can afford it given his entire portfolio of real estate more power to him.

Even a multi-use format will be up against serious competition for venues. The Copernicus Center/Gateway is just a short distance away and has a large stage and auditorium and off-street parking next door. The Portage is also in the local area, and has more off-street parking in the neighborhood compared to the Patio. Maybe a multi-screen setup would be helpful, utilizing space in adjacent buildings to create additional auditoriums, such as was done at the Pickwick in Park Ridge and the Lake in Oak Park. This way, the main auditorium with its beautiful ceiling and details could be spared.

Sure you be nice to see the Patio reopened, in any incarnation.

On the Chicagoland Watch List. http://www.landmarks.org/chicago_watch_2004_6.htm

Along with the Uptown, New Regal, Gateway, and Central Park.

That report is six years old. Alex has no intention of selling the building or converting the theater to a store or some other reuse. Many offers have been made over the years by developers who wanted to clear that corner. A recording studio once occupied a second floor office so anything's possible regarding expansion. He's set a realistic limit on what he intends to spend to get the main room open and is open to non-traditional events. The Copernicus Center caters largely to a Polish-speaking audience. He doesn't want to "out Portage the Portage" either. Leaving the theater dark does not help the other tenants, the building or the neighborhood as a whole. "I want to contribute to the community" were his words. How many developers even know what that means? At his age, he could easily do nothing. I applaud his willingness to take some risks.

Would love to see a movie at the Patio again, or even take a walk through it to bring back some memories. I'm trying to remember where the a/c was, was it in the sub basement that you entered from behind the stage area, to the left of the stage if you were coming down the side aisle? I remember seeing a device with a large wheel and a drive belt. Seems that something as old as wwII a/c should be fixable unless a major part went out and is not possible to replace. If Alex gives you a call again Mike tell him that Anna, Bogdan, David and Adam say hello, and if he is wondering we still have the same phone number as always.