Equally good points Scott. For sure the Copernicus Foundation would fight any landmark action. The mix of board members (those in the inner circle) have been waiting for the $hip to come in (thus the opposition to landmarking), only to have the economy tank. The interior of the theatre has been altered only slightly, plus it is a rare Rapp & Rapp atmospheric, and one of Chicago’s first designed for sound film theatres which should certainly qualify it for landmark status. The radical alterations to the exterior were done so many years ago (including the replica Warsaw castle clock tower – a true neighborhood beacon of sorts) that the alterations themselves now qualify for landmark status.
I’d be still be skeptical about the longevity of the Gateway. The people in charge of the Copernicus Foundation (not many arts minded individuals – mostly lawyers, developers, and real estate types) are in love with the Copernicus Foundation and NOT the Gateway Theatre. The clock tower portion of the building and the proposed new addition that fronts Lawrence Avenue would remain, but the theatre could be gone when the economy recovers. The recent visual improvements to the theatre are a pittance compared to the pricey land the theatre sits on. The Gateway had asbestos removal completed in 2005 (in other words, it’s ready to go) — so teardown could occur before any grassroots action to save the theatre could be organized. THE THEATRE SHOULD BE LANDMARKED NOW TO AVOID THIS POTENTIAL TRAGEDY.
Equally good points Scott. For sure the Copernicus Foundation would fight any landmark action. The mix of board members (those in the inner circle) have been waiting for the $hip to come in (thus the opposition to landmarking), only to have the economy tank. The interior of the theatre has been altered only slightly, plus it is a rare Rapp & Rapp atmospheric, and one of Chicago’s first designed for sound film theatres which should certainly qualify it for landmark status. The radical alterations to the exterior were done so many years ago (including the replica Warsaw castle clock tower – a true neighborhood beacon of sorts) that the alterations themselves now qualify for landmark status.
Loved the theater productions when the building next door was utilized for after film shows themed to the movie playing!
I’d be still be skeptical about the longevity of the Gateway. The people in charge of the Copernicus Foundation (not many arts minded individuals – mostly lawyers, developers, and real estate types) are in love with the Copernicus Foundation and NOT the Gateway Theatre. The clock tower portion of the building and the proposed new addition that fronts Lawrence Avenue would remain, but the theatre could be gone when the economy recovers. The recent visual improvements to the theatre are a pittance compared to the pricey land the theatre sits on. The Gateway had asbestos removal completed in 2005 (in other words, it’s ready to go) — so teardown could occur before any grassroots action to save the theatre could be organized. THE THEATRE SHOULD BE LANDMARKED NOW TO AVOID THIS POTENTIAL TRAGEDY.