Magnum is the security company that rents space in the store to the south of the theatre. I know that a church had a lease but messed up with the zoning. It appears the old landlords took back the theatre as Perl is listed on the title of the building.
For the record, the photographer is Chris Jackson, a remarkable talent who studied at the Art Institute of the City of Chicago. He was asked to take the photos by Paul Warshauer who, like many others, is trying to restore the Uptown Theatre. As I have said again and again, why can’t a group organize a public meeting to bring all the parties together before the theatre comes crashing down? By the way some vandal spray painted gang related stuff on the side of the massive auditorium building facing Broadway.
I hear that ghosts/spirits inside theatres under “renovation or restoration” know who’s gonna be “naughty or nice.” It is strange that some folks who have come in and out of a few theatres that I have worked on claim that they felt a breeze go by them or saw shadows that appeared then vanished. Each time, those who did see them were involved in the good kind of restoration. You know what I mean: restoration where you bring a theatre back to its former glory? Others felt nothing or just the dusty, damp air of an old theatre. These are the folks who usually were the ones who want to convert theatres into malls, knock them down, or God forbid: Condos! To me building condos on an old theatre site is like constructing houses on a graveyard. Those folks get what’s coming to them if ghosts haunt their yuppie condominiums! Perhaps ghosts sightings of the good kind indicate that we have passion for old theatres. Can thsse spirits from the other world be trying to tell us something? Well this is a ghost section on Cinema Treasures, isn’t it?
It disturbs me that folks do not help ifemorena with constructive advice. Open a quality movie theatre. Pay a little more to get better quality employees and managers. Do not dispair. The movie business can be a rich and rewarding one if you, as an owner, have fun, take care of the patrons, listen to your community, and try not to show first run movies all of the time. A first run house is a nightmare as there is no money for the owner except in concession sales. AndyTs comments above, although ruthless, reflect the attitude of many patrons who come to be “swept away” by the movies. In this world novelty still sells. Try a variety of programming including live theatre, music, theatre, etc. Good luck.
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 live in the neighborhood and went to a recent court case for the Uptown. Finally, the City of Chicago has ordered a “Critical Examinination of the Uptown Theatre.” (In Building Court) It seems that the group “holding title” is forced to do some real work on the theatre’s exterior. I heard that an engineering firm had been retained and must start work soon. This may be the first time any group in the last 20 years has put any real money into the building constructively. What happened to all those groups trying to save the theatre? Looks like no postings since February on this site. Have we missed something?
Real estate is real estate. Sometimes without a solid business plan, movie theatres are not the “best use” for the land itself. We, as movie lovers, must be prepared to write solid business plans and show a profitable return for investment. Those are the sad truths. We cannot save every theatre. But this one—The Alcazar—this lavish and magnificent piece of architecture, surely must have a better use than a parking lot or another residential condo development. Any updates? Any way I can help? Contact me. (708) 867-6252
There is no experience like an old theatre owner as a consultant. With business licenses, zoning, movie licensing and transport, health department requirements, union concerns, hiring, firing, accounting, taxes, schedules and programming, etc. The service that a retired theatre owner or manager can provide is invaluable. NO quick guide will help. State by state and city by city each theatre has its own set of problems. Good luck. You may call me if you wish. (708) 867-6252.
May I remind our readers that when sound technology was introduced in the late 1920s there was vehement opposition. Old celluloid, sprockets and popping sound technology must make way for newer clean and efficient digital equipment. Like it or not, digital technology is here to stay. Science usually prevails. With more efficient lamps and projector equipment, we will be seeing our favorite movies (and newer movies) in bigger formats with better sound and picture. I was opposed to movies on VHS years ago and now I have a massive legal DVD collection. For now think back to Jolson who said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
May I remind our readers that when sound technology was introduced in the late 1920s there was vehement opposition. Old celluloid, sprockets and popping sound technology must make way for newer clean and efficient digital equipment. Like it or not, digital technology is here to stay. Science usually prevails. With more efficient lamps and projector equipment, we will be seeing our favorite movies (and newer movies) in bigger formats with better sound and picture. I was opposed to movies on VHS years ago and now I have a massive legal DVD collection. For now think back to Jolson who said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Magnum is the security company that rents space in the store to the south of the theatre. I know that a church had a lease but messed up with the zoning. It appears the old landlords took back the theatre as Perl is listed on the title of the building.
For the record, the photographer is Chris Jackson, a remarkable talent who studied at the Art Institute of the City of Chicago. He was asked to take the photos by Paul Warshauer who, like many others, is trying to restore the Uptown Theatre. As I have said again and again, why can’t a group organize a public meeting to bring all the parties together before the theatre comes crashing down? By the way some vandal spray painted gang related stuff on the side of the massive auditorium building facing Broadway.
I hear that ghosts/spirits inside theatres under “renovation or restoration” know who’s gonna be “naughty or nice.” It is strange that some folks who have come in and out of a few theatres that I have worked on claim that they felt a breeze go by them or saw shadows that appeared then vanished. Each time, those who did see them were involved in the good kind of restoration. You know what I mean: restoration where you bring a theatre back to its former glory? Others felt nothing or just the dusty, damp air of an old theatre. These are the folks who usually were the ones who want to convert theatres into malls, knock them down, or God forbid: Condos! To me building condos on an old theatre site is like constructing houses on a graveyard. Those folks get what’s coming to them if ghosts haunt their yuppie condominiums! Perhaps ghosts sightings of the good kind indicate that we have passion for old theatres. Can thsse spirits from the other world be trying to tell us something? Well this is a ghost section on Cinema Treasures, isn’t it?
What happened to the project? I hear that it stalled…again. When can we expect an opening of the theatre? Any REAL news? All we hear is gossip.
It disturbs me that folks do not help ifemorena with constructive advice. Open a quality movie theatre. Pay a little more to get better quality employees and managers. Do not dispair. The movie business can be a rich and rewarding one if you, as an owner, have fun, take care of the patrons, listen to your community, and try not to show first run movies all of the time. A first run house is a nightmare as there is no money for the owner except in concession sales. AndyTs comments above, although ruthless, reflect the attitude of many patrons who come to be “swept away” by the movies. In this world novelty still sells. Try a variety of programming including live theatre, music, theatre, etc. Good luck.
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 live in the neighborhood and went to a recent court case for the Uptown. Finally, the City of Chicago has ordered a “Critical Examinination of the Uptown Theatre.” (In Building Court) It seems that the group “holding title” is forced to do some real work on the theatre’s exterior. I heard that an engineering firm had been retained and must start work soon. This may be the first time any group in the last 20 years has put any real money into the building constructively. What happened to all those groups trying to save the theatre? Looks like no postings since February on this site. Have we missed something?
Real estate is real estate. Sometimes without a solid business plan, movie theatres are not the “best use” for the land itself. We, as movie lovers, must be prepared to write solid business plans and show a profitable return for investment. Those are the sad truths. We cannot save every theatre. But this one—The Alcazar—this lavish and magnificent piece of architecture, surely must have a better use than a parking lot or another residential condo development. Any updates? Any way I can help? Contact me. (708) 867-6252
There is no experience like an old theatre owner as a consultant. With business licenses, zoning, movie licensing and transport, health department requirements, union concerns, hiring, firing, accounting, taxes, schedules and programming, etc. The service that a retired theatre owner or manager can provide is invaluable. NO quick guide will help. State by state and city by city each theatre has its own set of problems. Good luck. You may call me if you wish. (708) 867-6252.
May I remind our readers that when sound technology was introduced in the late 1920s there was vehement opposition. Old celluloid, sprockets and popping sound technology must make way for newer clean and efficient digital equipment. Like it or not, digital technology is here to stay. Science usually prevails. With more efficient lamps and projector equipment, we will be seeing our favorite movies (and newer movies) in bigger formats with better sound and picture. I was opposed to movies on VHS years ago and now I have a massive legal DVD collection. For now think back to Jolson who said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
May I remind our readers that when sound technology was introduced in the late 1920s there was vehement opposition. Old celluloid, sprockets and popping sound technology must make way for newer clean and efficient digital equipment. Like it or not, digital technology is here to stay. Science usually prevails. With more efficient lamps and projector equipment, we will be seeing our favorite movies (and newer movies) in bigger formats with better sound and picture. I was opposed to movies on VHS years ago and now I have a massive legal DVD collection. For now think back to Jolson who said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”