Chicago Uptown news?
posted by
paulnutter
on
September 22, 2006 at 7:54 am
CHICAGO, IL — I continually watch this site for any updated information on the Chicago Uptown Theatre. I have noticed on a photo through Google that there has been scaffolding erected on the front of the theater and plastic sheeting over the top. Can
anyone enlighten me with more information on what’s happening and better still more recent
photos.
Regards,
Paul
Comments (3)
You can visit http://www.compassrose.org/uptowntheatre/news.html for information on what’s happening with the Uptown Theatre.
Next week the City of Chicago Community Development Commission will be discussing whether they will purchase the theatre. Hopefully, this is good news. :–)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
121 North LaSalle Street
Council Chambers, Second Floor City Hall
Special Meeting, 1:00 p.m.
[Tuesday] September 26, 2006
TENTATIVE AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
H. LAWRENCE/BROADWAY TIF REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
WARD 48
Request authority to acquire the Uptown Theater, a Chicago Landmark, located at 4816 North Broadway Avenue in the Lawrence/Broadway Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area.
Regarding what you saw – last year stabilization work was carried out that removed the upper parapet of the facade as well as terra cotta on the sides that was in danger. It is now in storage.
I am really concerned about this movie palace…perhaps more so than any other. I saw pictures of the inside of this theatre and it is mind blowing. I do understand that it is hard to restore a large theatre now-adays, but I do have hope for this one. It is in a city environment and it’s beauty rivals that of New York’s Radio City (of which has always been a personal favorite).
A similar theatre here in NY, the Bronx Loews Paradise was recently restored last year. It is unbelieveable, how they built these old theatres.
The bottom line is that theatres like this could never be built again and it is important to support and hold on to those that are still standing and can be saved.
The Chicago Uptown is definately a keeper in my book.
JG