Uptown Theatre
4816 N. Broadway,
Chicago,
IL
60640
4816 N. Broadway,
Chicago,
IL
60640
88 people
favorited this theater
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Congrats to the hundreds of us who posed for the “Community Portrait” yesterday on the theatre’s 80th birthday. Early estimates indicate that more people posed for this photo that the one in 2000. Hooray for Andy Pierce and the other volunteers who did the hard work to set up this fine photo op. We all had fun sharing stories and updates on the “last great unfinished movie palace left on earth!” I hope that some momemtum was created to continue the search for a viable team to “take the old girl” to the next step. How about an attempt to open the lobby first? How much will that cost? For the record who is on the actual title of the property now?
There will be an Uptown Community Portrait taking place in front of the Uptown Theatre on August 20th and the more people to show up the better. It is sponsored by Friends of the Uptown, UpCorp, the Uptown Chicago Commission, and Compass Rose Cultural Crossroads. Visit www.compassrose.org to read a history of the theatre, see some great photos, and learn more about the August 20th event. If you’d like to help out, drop an e-mail to
Hey Patrick,
They are doing stabilzation tests on the building, taking key pieces of terra cotta and brickwork and analzing them to make sure the structure is still sound. I have faith the tests will prove that it is. Buildings from that era could withstand a hurricane, due to the “stress tests” that were done to prove the balcony could hold the weight of the patrons. They used sandbags weighing a lot more to be safe. I was a kid in the 60’s and to all the theaters on the northside and am saddened only a few survive.
I am also surprised that the new development at the former Wilson CTA yards will include apts, stores…..AND a MULTIPLEX CINEMA????..What about taking the Uptown and doing it there??? I had an idea for YEARS on keeping the lobby, the main floor and stage (movie premieres?) and splitting the balcony gently into 3 or 4 but still large theaters due to its immense size. The wall that would separate/close off the main floor theater from the balcony cinemas would have a VERY LARGE artist’s painting of the balcony seats, maybe with patrons sketched in for effect, like it was still there..Cute? Or not do-able?
The fact that we have NO person here that wants to spread the wealth and save this palace sickens me….HELLO PRITZKERS…HELLO OPRAH….HELLO CROWN FAMILY….HELLO MICHAEL JORDAN…..remember….you can’t take it with you….and who wants the lawyers to get it all???
I noticed recently that scaffolding went up over the facade of the Uptown Theatre. Anyone know what work is being planned?
I saw the same program. The hosts of the program toured most of the theater including the auditorium,lobby and basement
I just watched a program on the discovery channel called urban explorers. Part of the show was on the Uptown Theatre, It was quite interesting!
One other thing, if any has seen Home Alone 2, you might just recognize that the toy store in the film was actually the lobby of the Uptown!
While I agree that the Uptown is one of the most spectacular theaters ever built, there is one major obstacle(in addition to the above mentioned problems) to restoration of the theater. If, when you pass by the theater take just a moment and check out how the theater is sited on its lot. The back wall to the stagehouse is parallel to Lawrence Ave. There is not loading dock, nor anywhere to place one. This one detail is one of the major stumbling blocks to finding any use for the theater. Live theatrical performances (Phantom of the Opera travels with about 30 semis) or performers that would be able to fill a theater the size of the Uptown travel with large amount of sets, props, costumes, etc. The simple truth is that it would very difficult for any show coming in to park a number of semi trailers on either Lawrence or the street behind the theater(Magnolia?)and unload/load. Now if someone can solve that problem, the theater might just have a chance.
And the decorative facade is truly beautiful!
I just looked at an interior photo of this theatre and my mouth fell open. It certainly has an ornate lobby!
Hey, Mark. It’s not like we and many others haven’t tried! Here are some concerns: a. The building is in title limbo; the courts and banks must sort out who can have clear title and not become embroiled in litigation from Day One. b. The city wants IMMEDIATE repairs to the exterior so that pieces do not kill people; that costs $500K. c. What the heck will go on INSIDE the theatre after its open; in other words what professionals will we use to create music, theatre, community programs so that the theatre will generate enough cash to keep the place open? d. where will all the customers park? e. Who will work with the Aldemran ansd help apply for the TIF f. Who will apply for historic tax credits? g. What world class architect and engineering firm can do the work and be credible with all parties? h. Who can come up with $2 mil in cash to start out this process? I have answers for all of the issues and questions “a-g.” Call me if you or othere want to help with “h.” Paul Warshauer, (630) 221-0667.
There was a night—almost 25 years ago—when the old Uptown rocked like no place I’d ever seen before or since. Bruce Sprngsteen and the E Street Band played two shows there on a tour where the rest of the country was getting shows in hockey arenas. From the opening notes of “Born To Run” (yeah—opened with Born To Run) to the encore of Rosalita (where the balcony literally was swaying a foot), you never heard or felt such mayhem. What a concert. What a night.
Not just Bruce—The Dead, Gabriel, J. Geils…saw them all there. This was the place. The Uptown.
It could happen again. Come on, somebody buy the place and fix it up. It could rock all over again and last forever.
Such a beautiful building. To see it sit empty and left slowly to decay is truly heart wrenching. I have also noticed new graffiti on the exterior wall. At least this place should be locked up and sealed tight to prevent further damage!
N Visible Man you have identified the solutions for a successful restroation/renovation for the Uptown: multiple income streams, a strong and experienced management team, solid financing, lucrative and appropriate naming rights, use of historic tax credits, TIF funding and strong popular support! Many of us have worked on the Uptown project and look forward to a new group who might take us forward. I always stand by ready to work on the proejct with whomever can help restore it to its former glory!
It seems to me that if the Uptown existed in New York or Los Angeles it would have little trouble generating the revenue needed to restore the theatre to its original glory and make the owner money. Why is it that in the third largest urban/suburban market in the country that such a glorious theatre is unable to do so? I believe that a deeper look at the entertainment industry as a whole is needed. There are no major movie production companies based in Chicago. There are no major record production companies based in Chicago. All signs point to a revenue stream that flows out of Chicago. If there was a company in Chicago that made millions of dollars entertaining the nation and the world, much like there is in Los Angeles and New York, then there would be a larger pool of donors and dollars to draw from in order to restore a theatre like the Uptown. It seems to me that the only way to restore the crown jewel that is the Uptown to it’s original grandure is to build the crown. Chicago needs to be an engine driving and competing in the entertainment business. This is something that can only come with an acute sense of organization, and a brilliant team of loyal and creative artists that are ready to commit themselves to the work of bringing Chicago to its potential. Until then the Uptown theatre will rest as an icon demonstrating the enourmous potential of the Windy City and the sad reality of just how difficult it is to capture that wind and make our city sail. Peace. N Visible Man.
A receiver/developer for the Uptown? Man oh man is THAT a conflict of interest! Controversy is written all over it but Mr. Holsten is a good man. I met him over a year ago and he does have the best interest of Uptown in mind. Let’s hope he calls a summit and gathers all those who wish to participate in one room to get the place open again! It can be done. Let’s work together!
There is an article about the Uptown Theatre published in this week’s edition of INSIDE, a north Chicago newspaper.
View link
The petition mentioned can be found at www.compassrose.org
There is NOTHING official about anyone’s web site! That is why on Cinema Treasures it says, “Related Websites.” I should know. The Theatre is in foreclosure and business people are trying to save it as we speak. I will talk to anyone about the theatre! (630) 221-0667.
So… this may seem a bit out there but, has anyone looked into a major promoter like House of Blues or Clear Channel for a funding source in this endeavor? It seems that there should be a clear and defined business plan in hand derived from past experience with the venue, yet there seems to be a real uncertainty as to what you’re going to use the venue for after it is restored. Perhaps the reality is that the demographics of the area won’t support a venue of this size. If this is the case it will have to relay on public funding to survive. It may be possible that a combination of public funding say… to buy and renovate in addition to corporate funding to maintain and promote its activity may be an appropriate (and only) means of survival.
It is easy to see how this kind of thing can let the wind out of your sail… Don’t give up! It ain’t that much money… Find a buyer that you can work with, or go door to door to raise the money to buy it back. Someone who apparently has no intentions doing any thing with it need no longer own it.
Perhaps approaching the current owner with a viable business plan could spark a renewed interest in the theater. If you can’t spark an interest you should be able to buy it cheep…
If the current owners are not making any money from the place and nobody is offering any real money to buy it then it’s not much more than a land mark in need of repair.
Sounds like a buyers market to me.
“the venue also served as a cinema, a television event broadcast venue, a rock-n-roll palace, a movie location (“Home Alone II,†“Backdraft,†“I Love Trouble†and “Soul Survivorâ€), a Chicago architectural and history tour destination (Chicago Architecture
Foundation, Chicago Neighborhood Tours and Theatre Historical Society of America) and a special events space (banquets, benefit dances and one wedding)”
There is a new online signature drive regarding the Uptown Theatre. It is intended to increase awareness about the renovation and reuse potential of an important historic landmark and to document the public support that exists for its use as an entertainment venue. It is meant to be a friendly petition that allows signers to share their memories of and hopes for the Uptown Theatre. I welcome you all to sign it and pass along the link to your friends and family. Even if you don’t live in Chicago, consider signing the petition and let everyone know your thoughts regarding historic theatre preservation. If you have a success story about the restoration of a vintage theatre in your own hometown we’d love to hear it.
If you are interested in a hard copy version to help collect signatures of your neighbors who don’t have internet access, let me know. Just drop me an e-mail at
Thanks, Joanne
PETITION LINK:
View link
Friends of the Uptown
P.O. Box 409472
Chicago, IL 60640
Email:
Web site: http://www.uptowntheatre.com
For release Aug. 18, 2004
New ‘Faces of the Uptown Theatreâ€\ Calendar Released Online
Free publication a gift to fans and historians of Chicago
architecture
CHICAGO – “Faces of the Uptown Theatre,†the first calendar
published by Chicagoâ€\s Friends of the Uptown, was released
today in a free downloadable format by visiting the Web site
www.uptowntheatre.com The four-color, 2005 calendarâ€\s intent
is to launch celebration of the Uptown Theatreâ€\s 80th
anniversary (Aug. 18, 2005) while increasing public awareness
about the renovation and reuse potential of the endangered
historic building.
Subtitled “Our history in terra cotta, plaster and people,â€
the calendar pays tribute to the architectural gargoyles of
the Uptownâ€\s elaborate Spanish Baroque-styled ornamentation
and to the international constituency of people who have
voiced support for renovating the Uptown Theatre. The
calendar is free, volunteers said, so that it will be shared
widely and will reward fans of Chicagoâ€\s history and
architecture who have supported many city landmarks through
memberships, donations, pledges, banquets and tours.
The Uptown Theatre, Chicago, 4816 N. Broadway, is the
nationâ€\s largest freestanding vintage theater building.
Opened as Balaban & Katz movie palace in 1925, it featured
custom stage shows, orchestras, organ music and silent
films. Before being closed in 1981, the venue also served as
a cinema, a television event broadcast venue, a rock-n-roll
palace, a movie location (“Home Alone II,†“Backdraft,†“I
Love Trouble†and “Soul Survivorâ€), a Chicago architectural
and history tour destination (Chicago Architecture
Foundation, Chicago Neighborhood Tours and Theatre Historical
Society of America) and a special events space (banquets,
benefit dances and one wedding). Designed by the Chicago
architecture firm of C.W. and George L. Rapp, the Uptown
Theatre shares a design and use heritage with the surviving
Central Park, Riviera, Chicago, Oriental and Gateway theater
buildings, all of which Rapp and Rapp designed for Balaban &
Katz.
Friends of the Uptown is a volunteer advocacy
organization that was founded in 1998. Volunteers do
promotions and research in the effort to preserve the
building but do not solicit donations for it. The group
operates as an outreach activity of Landmark Uptown Theatre
Corp., an Illinois not-for-profit organization that owns the
Uptown Theatreâ€\s unique bronze and crystal chandeliers. All
of the fixtures that were not stolen or sold before this
arrangement were removed and stored in anticipation of the
buildingâ€\s renovation.
The Uptown Theatre building remains privately owned and is
awaiting a renovation and reuse project for entertainment of
some kind. You may learn more about the Uptown Theatre,
Chicago, and Friends of the Uptown via the Web site
http://www.uptowntheatre.com or by calling (773) 250-7665.
#
(In an answer to the above comment, the theatre is not in “misery.” It is closed and in need of a renovation and reuse. The building is privately owned by Lunn Partners, of Chicago. While grassroots volunteer efforts like Friends of the Uptown are helpful and well-intentioned, the scope of the Uptown project requires support, cooperation and funding well beyond their imagined scope. “Friends,” for example, is a volunteer advocacy organization. They assist in promotion of the building. They do not portend to have the solution nor do they take donations for a privately owned building. The challenge is complex. The solution will have to be a well-organized, well-funded organization that cracks the riddle of what entertainment the building can serve and how a large-scale renovation can be paid for.)
Perhaps it is time for a “Summit Meeting” on the fate of the Uptown. Does the city really want to save the theatre? If SO, what do we do to help? If NOT, then tear it down and end the theatre’s misery. Does anyone know who REALLY owns the theatre? Why can’t the Alderman call for a special public meeting to gather input? What of all those groups hovering over the theatre? Can they bury the hatchet amd meet in the same room for once? By the way, Bryan K., those are great photos of the interior. How old are they? Who took them?
I think the City of Chicago needs to get behind the Uptown restoration.The Uptown is the perfect midsize venue for concerts.Maybe the City should have a chat with Clear Channel who operate and book theatres like the Wiltern in LA and Warfield in San Francisco.The current Mayor helped get the ball rolling for the restoration of the Oriental and the Palace to help revitalize the Loop, the restoration of the Uptown could help the Uptown district as well.The longer the City waits the more expensive the project will become. I think the Uptown could be restored for $30 Million. The theatre was never divided or altered.The City should at least spend the money to stabalize the building regardless of who owns it.brucec
Probably the most spectacular theatre I’ve been in, and I’ve been inside hundreds. I grew up going to the Uptown theatre despite having to take two buses to get there. The last time I was inside the Uptown it was just a shell of its former self. I saw the inside of the theatre for the last time on the very day it made the switch from English to Spanish films. It had been purchased by the family that owned the Peoples theatre. Their 12 year old son gave me quite an extensive tour. All the huge oil paintings along the staircases had been removed and the auditorium had been painted completely black.
The Chicago Tribune magazine section from April 25, 1993, did a great article with pictures about the Uptown theatre, titled, “A Movie Palace In Search Of A Happy Ending”. Fortunately, its still standing but I doubt the ending will be happy. I think it’d cost a 100 million to restore it back to its original glory. The Tribune (at the time of printing of this article) list the Uptown as “the country’s largest theatre in square feet”