Ramova Theatre
3518 S. Halsted Street,
Chicago,
IL
60609
3518 S. Halsted Street,
Chicago,
IL
60609
27 people
favorited this theater
Showing 76 - 90 of 90 comments
Hi Everyone:
I have just started a group called Save The Ramova! www.savetheramova.com We are soliciting signatures (2-300 would be best) to take to Alderman Balcer, Alderman of the 11th Ward, to let him know that the neighbors of The Ramova care about the future of this great old theater. We are basically proposing that whatever the plan is for renovation/re-use, that the interior and exterior should be kept as close to the original design as possible. If any of you would like to sign the petition, please go to, www.savetheramova.com and sign it on-line. If anyone would like to help us collect signatures/volunteer, please e-mail me at
Thanks for listening!
Maureen aka Zellah
I don’t have a clear idea of the proposal at hand. Does the city want to gut the Ramova for this restaurant, and only retain the facade?
Here is an article from this Sunday’s Tribune about a redevelopment plan at the Ramova
Well, one movie I remember seeing there was a 1980’s horror picture “Prom Night” I believe the spanish movies did not come until the 80’s NOT 70’s
So many happy memories of hours spent at the Ramova. I hope that it is restored to it’s original beauty…..and thank all of you for the history that I wasn’t aware of.
It would be great to see pictures of the Ramova when it first opened, in its youthful glory.
The Ramova didn’t do the Spanish language movies until the LATE 70’s. All through the mid seventies I spent many a summer day and weekend in the movies all day after hustling groceries at the local Jewels and Dominick’s.
I’d be interested in info on the removation. I have had restaurants in the recent past and would consider something in the Ramova if they’re still looking…
Dear Ms. Nelson:
The City of Chicago is currently working with a developer proposing to rehabilitate the former Ramova Theater located at 3518 S. Halsted. The proposed end-use would be a restaurant and possibly a banquet facility.
Please be assured that the City acknowledges the historic significance of the former theater and will work with the end-user to make sure that every effort is taken to keep the architectural integrity of the facade intact.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
John Molloy
Project Manager
Department of Planning and Development
City of Chicago
City Hall, Room 1006
Chicago, Illinois 60602
View link
I just recently moved into the Bridgeport community around the block form this theater. I am very interested in the development of the area, and have a genuine intrest in keeping its working class spirit in tact. (No need for another North side! DO you SEE these condos and townhomes being built?) Please email me if anyone if working on this project or any community development/organizing project in the community. I have expirence in dveelopment, planning, and organizing and would love to be apart of this.
Jennifer Nelson
I too have wanted to see the rebirth of this grand little palace. Inside these decaying walls are the memories of so many good times for residents of the Bridgeport neighborhood that it was such a big part of. I grew up in this should-be palace of sparkling stars on the ceiling, of balconies overlooking the seats and paintings depicting a place unlike the busy urban world it was also a part of.
I saw so many of my celluloid heroes alive on that screen, it seems like a waste of something that could just as easily be called a “Lost Treasure” to be left to the wrecking ball.
Is it very much intact? Realism is the cornerstone of preservation. I looked into the lobby around 1990, and there was obvious water damage. Has anything been done to stabilize the building since then? This place is worthy of attention…I just wonder if the auditorium ceiling is lying on the seats.
I grew up in Bridgeport and would be very interested in learning more about the Ramova and working with others interested in preserving it. Please reply to this post if interested or write
I grew up in the Ramova Theatre. I drove by it the other day and noticed a sign that stated that the Ramova is owned by the City of Chicago, Planning and Development.
Hopefully the Ramova will be restored and reopened, perhaps as an art house or an operation similar to the Music Box. I believe that Bridgeport could support a reopened Ramova Theatre
This is a wonderful looking little building, and it sounds like it’s intact.
I suppose this would make the Remova a prime candidate for “Remova-tion,” so that it wouldn’t be “Remova-ed” from the face of the Earth!
Some of your data on the Ramova theatre is incorrect. I have done an exhaustive study on the Ramova(Chicago)in 1991,and have obtained the architect’s drawing & a 1932 photo of its original marquee. Myer O. Nathan is the architect, and it had 1200 seats. Check with THSA.