The interior of the Allen Theatre, Cleveland was actually in the process of being demolished when the building was finally saved. Today it is restored, and serves an important role in Playhouse Square (another, and much larger, vibrant downtown).
I don’t know anything about this Major guy. But if you are such a stud, why is the theatre closed and for sale again Paul? Why couldn’t you repair one faulty projector? Almost looks like you lost interest in the theatre when local officials decided they weren’t going to hand you $15,000. Is that the deal? Actually, it makes sense: show up & lease the theatre, don’t pay your bills, charm the local municipality into giving you a loan to repair the theatre, and then vanish with $15,000 of near pure profit (you would probably have to make at least one lease payment…so it wouldn’t be ALL profit).
Chicago Sun-Times
By David Roeder
Sun-Times Columnist
February 11, 2004
THEATER ROW: Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Paul Warshauer, who wants to reopen the old Portage Park Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee, with old movies and live children’s shows. The city has held up his license and he now says that to pay his bills he will sublease part of the space to a church that promises three services a day.
That has Ald. Patrick Levar (45th) and some people in the neighborhood fuming. Levar said a church needs to get a special-use zoning classification before it can open in the Six Corners commercial area. Besides, he said, people “don’t want a storefront church'‘ at that location. Levar said the city’s license objections deal with fire codes and access, issues that became more urgent after the E2 nightclub disaster. "My concern is public safety and he’s going to have to dot all the 'i’s and cross the ’t’s,’‘ Levar said. Some renovations Warshauer already has performed were without a permit, he said.
Meeting Minutes â€" April 12, 2004
Date of issuance: April 13, 2004
Portage Park Neighborhood Association â€" Public Meeting
Monday, April 12, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
I. Meeting Called to Order by Gerard Staniszewski, 2nd Neil Krus at 8 p.m.
II. President’s Opening Statement: Gerard Staniszewski made two announcements:
1. The next Clean & Green will be held Saturday, May 1. Those interested in participating should
meet at 4026 N. LaPorte (city parking lot), 8:30 a.m.
2. Paul Warshauer, who spoke at the last meeting, is still in the process of being evicted by the
Portage Park Theater owner. Another group is expressing interest in buying the theatre and wants
to make a presentation to the PPNA at the May meeting. Gerard urges everyone to attend the
meeting for their input. In answer to an attendee’s question, he says the group is NOT the
Universal Church.
That web site has pictures of the theatre before they took it apart. Makes me sad, as I remember going there as a kid. All I can say…again…is that I hope the community gets a first-class venue out of the deal.
Yes, the discussion surrounding the Dupage Theatre is a little out of control (what…820 postings now, or something like that!?!). But I must admit that I find it fascinating. I am sure that emotional discussions like that have gone on many times during many restoration efforts. Now, through the Internet, we have captured one such discussion as a sort of museum piece. I think it is an amazing look into the emotions that get wrapped up in these old buildings. For those who don’t know: a concerned non-profit group is fighting their guts out to save the Dupage…and recently convinced the legal system to temporarily block demolition. It is a noble effort.
What I have seen comes off of the theatre’s web site. I have never seen this sort of collection of proposed functions for a restored movie palace. It is obviously geared for the Latin American community:
The most spectacular and grandiose theater ever built in the United States reopens its doors in 2005. The Loews Paradise Theater, located in the heart of the Bronx ’s busiest commercial district, will showcase concerts by internationally acclaimed artists in world of Latin, pop and urban music, special events such as boxing, comedy and children’s variety shows and televised shows. With a seating capacity approaching 4,000 in the main ballroom, and grand interior spaces set aside for dining, sports bar, and private functions, the Paradise Theater will be a never before seen one-stop entertainment mecca in the heart of New York.
I see a lot of opportunity here. If they can make a go of the boxing thing, for instance, they will attract some large crowds. There is a good-sized market for this sort of thing, in Chicago at least.
Yeah: I think people get into this kind of thing by nature. But I also believe that human beings have the ability to evolve.
I challenge the City of Chicago managers on the project to evolve, and handle this situation with some dignity.
That photo of the lobby from the Sun Times confirms that this building is not in the worst of shape…dramatic as it may appear to some to see the warped door frames and plaster dust heap on the floor. Perhaps that was a tactical error on the part of the City. The way they are acting why else would they release the picture, if not to convince us that the building is beyond repair!
Well, at least you’ve warmed up to your new label Uncle Paul. I’ll bet your partner is really happy that he told that cub scout story!
I know it tugged at my heart strings.
“Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time.” Where are these other people who share your philosophy, and why haven’t they posted any comments in support of your concepts?
Many of us = you and your partner.
Now you are saying Shepardson has done great work in the past? I thought you said that he was a complete fraud.
Why don’t you put your ideas together in an Excel spreadsheet and post them on your web site where we can all see?
Looks like the people running the place have a unique and interesting business model. I think they have a good shot of making a go of things. The pictures I have seen make the restoration look pretty good…although almost anything is better than the state it was in as a four-screen complex in the 90’s. Perhaps this is the rebirth of the Paradise a great center of the community.
Dupe Neighbor: You do raise a valid point about Geneva. But there is more than one way to skin a cat, as they say. The Dupage Theatre is far more of a building than the Geneva Theatre was. In my opinion, that has some bearing on the situation.
So it’s Challenger now, eh? You do have a knack for being antagonistic.
1) I don’t think I said, “build it and they will come.” Perhaps you should read the comment again?
2) I did say that I don’t like your downtown area…what does the layout matter? That’s double-talk.
3) You are right: Naperville is nice. But a) there hasn’t been a theatre there for many, many, many years…since the 50’s I think, and b) the main point of my comment is that you don’t have much to work with in the way of historic structures.
4) It is my understanding, though I haven’t followed every detail of this situation, that someone wants to build condos on the theatre site. Now: there is a glut of such units developing due to (in my estimation) the low interest rate climate we have experienced over the last several years. I know that people are not jumping at these units, and many such structures are experiencing high vacany rates. I think it’s likely we are heading for vacant condo problems similar to the oversupply of office space Chicagoland experienced in the 80’s. It seems to me building condos now is sort of like buying high-tech stocks late in 1999…the boat has been missed. Is that what’s best for Lombard…or the guy building the condos for that matter?
5) I don’t think you care about taxes, businesses, the character of Lombard, or anything aside from your own interests. Admittedly that is my gut-level reading of the situation…but I have a pretty good track record.
That’s my two cents on the situation. For all the comments I have read about this theatre, I had never laid eyes on it until the other day.
Keep up the fight Dupage Theatre supporters! There is still a lot of hope!
I had an important experience with regard to this theatre last week, without meaning to. I had business to conduct in the western burbs. Drove through downtown Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Downtown Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are vibrant community shopping districts with historical character…especially Glen Ellyn, although it seems like the merchants of Wheaton have the right idea. The Lombard business district is barren. Now: the theatre by itself is not going to change that. But it is certainly a big step in the right direction. There’s no doubt that the theatre is the biggest piece of the historical character I saw in the other two towns that Lombard has to work with.
That web site (Oct 10) is pretty lame. A few patches of exterior brick. Those hand-made signs are also cute…were they placed there by a throng of angry Lombard residents…or in the middle of the night by the “Concerned Taxpayer?” (or whatever collection of handles the Taxpayer uses nowadays).
Keep up the fight. It’s not over til it’s over. The interior of the Allen Theatre, Cleveland was actually in the process of being demolished when the building was finally saved. Today it is restored, and serves an important role in Playhouse Square (another, and much larger, vibrant downtown).
For those of us who are not in the know: what is the whole story? This sounds horrible. How the situation go from a two year renovation to large-scale demolition?
I am not in the real estate business. But I don’t understand how it is profitable to continue building these complexes when there are already so many out there. Aren’t we on our way to a glut of unoccupied condominiums similar to the glut of unoccupied office space the Chicago area had in the 80’s? Interest rates are still pretty low, so I’m guessing the financing is cheap. But is it the correct long-term plan? And what are we doing to our unique & diverse communities by dropping these things on every corner?
Can someone explain the logic that underlies this business pattern? That is a serious quesion…not a statement made for effect. Can someone explain this to me?
You’re right…my comment was SLIGHTLY silly, mainly the part about you joining a gym. Once again you have managed to get me flustered.
I am watching you, and it is not in your best interest to make the assumptions mentioned above. I will get involved if I think you are a serious threat to this theatre. Saying that the Uptown cannot possibly be demolished is not a realistic statement. Considering that you have a legal settlement against you related to this building, and recently filed an indigence motion in connection with legal proceedings, I probably will not have to get involved.
Name a theatre you have restored Paul. Just one. You claim to operate restored theatres far and wide. But nobody in the preservation community seems to know of a single success story.
They let those Sun-Times people in to take photographs. Doesn’t make sense that safety concerns should keep the preservation group out. That is double-talk if I have ever heard it. I’m guessing the preservation reps would be happy to sign waivers to enter the building, if given the chance. Secret development plans are also pretty weird.
That damage to the lobby isn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Rooms in far worse shape have been repaired. Keep up the fight! The City does not appear to be handling this situation with any respectable level of honor.
It has been called to my attention that this last statement could be taken as a threat. It is not. I have no intention of causing physical harm to you Paul…although you really should get a gym membership. What I will do is get involved with whatever volunteer organization is working at the Uptown right now, though I don’t realistically have the time to do so. I will make sure that your pitiful, self-serving, small-minded antics do not cause this building to be demolished.
The Uptown is a point of family pride, and I’ll be damned if I am going to stand by and watch while you jeopardize it’s future. Do you think I am an annoyance on this web site Paul? Keep it up.
Let me tell you something that everybody already knows, Paul: you have been involved in the misfortunes of this building. You keep asking for my specific identity, ostensibly so that you can hit me with some kind of silly legal action for attacking your character. I don’t see the point in that right now. If I get the impression that you are acting in a manner that seriously threatens arguably the greatest Rapp & Rapp building ever constructed, however, you will find out who I am in a big hurry. It is quite evident that there are a lot of people out there who would like a piece of you. My advice: take your “investment opportunites” and get as far away from the Uptown Theatre as you can.
It is a strange time for preservation: who would’ve thought that saved movie palaces might need to be saved again?
/theaters/211/
I hope someone comes up with a plan for the Avalon. It is a great building. I saw a P-Funk concert there in the 90’s.
I did the same some weeks ago…with perhaps a little more edge than Patsy.
The interior of the Allen Theatre, Cleveland was actually in the process of being demolished when the building was finally saved. Today it is restored, and serves an important role in Playhouse Square (another, and much larger, vibrant downtown).
Keep fighting!!!
I don’t know anything about this Major guy. But if you are such a stud, why is the theatre closed and for sale again Paul? Why couldn’t you repair one faulty projector? Almost looks like you lost interest in the theatre when local officials decided they weren’t going to hand you $15,000. Is that the deal? Actually, it makes sense: show up & lease the theatre, don’t pay your bills, charm the local municipality into giving you a loan to repair the theatre, and then vanish with $15,000 of near pure profit (you would probably have to make at least one lease payment…so it wouldn’t be ALL profit).
Chicago Sun-Times
By David Roeder
Sun-Times Columnist
February 11, 2004
THEATER ROW: Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Paul Warshauer, who wants to reopen the old Portage Park Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee, with old movies and live children’s shows. The city has held up his license and he now says that to pay his bills he will sublease part of the space to a church that promises three services a day.
That has Ald. Patrick Levar (45th) and some people in the neighborhood fuming. Levar said a church needs to get a special-use zoning classification before it can open in the Six Corners commercial area. Besides, he said, people “don’t want a storefront church'‘ at that location. Levar said the city’s license objections deal with fire codes and access, issues that became more urgent after the E2 nightclub disaster. "My concern is public safety and he’s going to have to dot all the 'i’s and cross the ’t’s,’‘ Levar said. Some renovations Warshauer already has performed were without a permit, he said.
Meeting Minutes â€" April 12, 2004
Date of issuance: April 13, 2004
Portage Park Neighborhood Association â€" Public Meeting
Monday, April 12, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
I. Meeting Called to Order by Gerard Staniszewski, 2nd Neil Krus at 8 p.m.
II. President’s Opening Statement: Gerard Staniszewski made two announcements:
1. The next Clean & Green will be held Saturday, May 1. Those interested in participating should
meet at 4026 N. LaPorte (city parking lot), 8:30 a.m.
2. Paul Warshauer, who spoke at the last meeting, is still in the process of being evicted by the
Portage Park Theater owner. Another group is expressing interest in buying the theatre and wants
to make a presentation to the PPNA at the May meeting. Gerard urges everyone to attend the
meeting for their input. In answer to an attendee’s question, he says the group is NOT the
Universal Church.
That web site has pictures of the theatre before they took it apart. Makes me sad, as I remember going there as a kid. All I can say…again…is that I hope the community gets a first-class venue out of the deal.
Yes, that also seems pretty awful to me.
Yes, the discussion surrounding the Dupage Theatre is a little out of control (what…820 postings now, or something like that!?!). But I must admit that I find it fascinating. I am sure that emotional discussions like that have gone on many times during many restoration efforts. Now, through the Internet, we have captured one such discussion as a sort of museum piece. I think it is an amazing look into the emotions that get wrapped up in these old buildings. For those who don’t know: a concerned non-profit group is fighting their guts out to save the Dupage…and recently convinced the legal system to temporarily block demolition. It is a noble effort.
/theaters/801/
What I have seen comes off of the theatre’s web site. I have never seen this sort of collection of proposed functions for a restored movie palace. It is obviously geared for the Latin American community:
The most spectacular and grandiose theater ever built in the United States reopens its doors in 2005. The Loews Paradise Theater, located in the heart of the Bronx ’s busiest commercial district, will showcase concerts by internationally acclaimed artists in world of Latin, pop and urban music, special events such as boxing, comedy and children’s variety shows and televised shows. With a seating capacity approaching 4,000 in the main ballroom, and grand interior spaces set aside for dining, sports bar, and private functions, the Paradise Theater will be a never before seen one-stop entertainment mecca in the heart of New York.
I see a lot of opportunity here. If they can make a go of the boxing thing, for instance, they will attract some large crowds. There is a good-sized market for this sort of thing, in Chicago at least.
Jim & Brian:
“goaway” has certainly spent a lot of time on this project. But I think it’s entirely appropriate. The mission statement of this site is: “Discover. Preserve. Protect.” I think that the theatres of America (no…the world) should be aware of Paul Warshauer’s questionable past (falling into the “Protect” category). Serious questions have been raised about Paul; and, he has not cleared his name despite numerous opportunites to do so. I believe that a community group might get discouraged and give up on their project after dealing with the problems that seem to follow Paul around…such as the lawsuit he has filed against the 501©(3) attempting to reuse the Wheaton Grand in Illinois. If community groups give up on their theatres, it makes for vulnerable theatre buildings. I know this sort of discussion bothers some regular site users. But preserving old theatres does not revolve around discussions regarding the authenticy of a new set of drapes…as important as things of that nature may be. It resolves around organizing, staying the course, and overcoming problems. To that end, if heated debate is temporarily taking place on ten out of 12,000 theatre listings I don’t see it as a problem. If Paul really is the con man everyone says he is, and he is using this site to look for new targets, don’t you guys have a problem with that?
Yeah: I think people get into this kind of thing by nature. But I also believe that human beings have the ability to evolve.
I challenge the City of Chicago managers on the project to evolve, and handle this situation with some dignity.
That photo of the lobby from the Sun Times confirms that this building is not in the worst of shape…dramatic as it may appear to some to see the warped door frames and plaster dust heap on the floor. Perhaps that was a tactical error on the part of the City. The way they are acting why else would they release the picture, if not to convince us that the building is beyond repair!
Hmmm…
theatre is not listed as open. No web site for theatre. No positive news articles out there for theatre.
It has been many months now since Uncle Paul came to town. What has become of this vaunted “Arts Assessment?”
Well, at least you’ve warmed up to your new label Uncle Paul. I’ll bet your partner is really happy that he told that cub scout story!
I know it tugged at my heart strings.
“Many of us doubt whether this type of budget is practical for this theatre in this town and at this time.” Where are these other people who share your philosophy, and why haven’t they posted any comments in support of your concepts?
Many of us = you and your partner.
Now you are saying Shepardson has done great work in the past? I thought you said that he was a complete fraud.
Why don’t you put your ideas together in an Excel spreadsheet and post them on your web site where we can all see?
Looks like the people running the place have a unique and interesting business model. I think they have a good shot of making a go of things. The pictures I have seen make the restoration look pretty good…although almost anything is better than the state it was in as a four-screen complex in the 90’s. Perhaps this is the rebirth of the Paradise a great center of the community.
Good luck to the Paradise management!
Dupe Neighbor: You do raise a valid point about Geneva. But there is more than one way to skin a cat, as they say. The Dupage Theatre is far more of a building than the Geneva Theatre was. In my opinion, that has some bearing on the situation.
So it’s Challenger now, eh? You do have a knack for being antagonistic.
1) I don’t think I said, “build it and they will come.” Perhaps you should read the comment again?
2) I did say that I don’t like your downtown area…what does the layout matter? That’s double-talk.
3) You are right: Naperville is nice. But a) there hasn’t been a theatre there for many, many, many years…since the 50’s I think, and b) the main point of my comment is that you don’t have much to work with in the way of historic structures.
4) It is my understanding, though I haven’t followed every detail of this situation, that someone wants to build condos on the theatre site. Now: there is a glut of such units developing due to (in my estimation) the low interest rate climate we have experienced over the last several years. I know that people are not jumping at these units, and many such structures are experiencing high vacany rates. I think it’s likely we are heading for vacant condo problems similar to the oversupply of office space Chicagoland experienced in the 80’s. It seems to me building condos now is sort of like buying high-tech stocks late in 1999…the boat has been missed. Is that what’s best for Lombard…or the guy building the condos for that matter?
5) I don’t think you care about taxes, businesses, the character of Lombard, or anything aside from your own interests. Admittedly that is my gut-level reading of the situation…but I have a pretty good track record.
That’s my two cents on the situation. For all the comments I have read about this theatre, I had never laid eyes on it until the other day.
Keep up the fight Dupage Theatre supporters! There is still a lot of hope!
I had an important experience with regard to this theatre last week, without meaning to. I had business to conduct in the western burbs. Drove through downtown Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Downtown Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are vibrant community shopping districts with historical character…especially Glen Ellyn, although it seems like the merchants of Wheaton have the right idea. The Lombard business district is barren. Now: the theatre by itself is not going to change that. But it is certainly a big step in the right direction. There’s no doubt that the theatre is the biggest piece of the historical character I saw in the other two towns that Lombard has to work with.
That web site (Oct 10) is pretty lame. A few patches of exterior brick. Those hand-made signs are also cute…were they placed there by a throng of angry Lombard residents…or in the middle of the night by the “Concerned Taxpayer?” (or whatever collection of handles the Taxpayer uses nowadays).
Keep up the fight. It’s not over til it’s over. The interior of the Allen Theatre, Cleveland was actually in the process of being demolished when the building was finally saved. Today it is restored, and serves an important role in Playhouse Square (another, and much larger, vibrant downtown).
For those of us who are not in the know: what is the whole story? This sounds horrible. How the situation go from a two year renovation to large-scale demolition?
Amazing that a property can sit dormant so long, and then come back to life. Similar story at the Fox-Oakland.
I am not in the real estate business. But I don’t understand how it is profitable to continue building these complexes when there are already so many out there. Aren’t we on our way to a glut of unoccupied condominiums similar to the glut of unoccupied office space the Chicago area had in the 80’s? Interest rates are still pretty low, so I’m guessing the financing is cheap. But is it the correct long-term plan? And what are we doing to our unique & diverse communities by dropping these things on every corner?
Can someone explain the logic that underlies this business pattern? That is a serious quesion…not a statement made for effect. Can someone explain this to me?
How silly I appear? Paul: is anything you say rooted in reality?
/theaters/5231/
/theaters/5744/
/theaters/437/
/theaters/1712/
You’re right…my comment was SLIGHTLY silly, mainly the part about you joining a gym. Once again you have managed to get me flustered.
I am watching you, and it is not in your best interest to make the assumptions mentioned above. I will get involved if I think you are a serious threat to this theatre. Saying that the Uptown cannot possibly be demolished is not a realistic statement. Considering that you have a legal settlement against you related to this building, and recently filed an indigence motion in connection with legal proceedings, I probably will not have to get involved.
Name a theatre you have restored Paul. Just one. You claim to operate restored theatres far and wide. But nobody in the preservation community seems to know of a single success story.
They let those Sun-Times people in to take photographs. Doesn’t make sense that safety concerns should keep the preservation group out. That is double-talk if I have ever heard it. I’m guessing the preservation reps would be happy to sign waivers to enter the building, if given the chance. Secret development plans are also pretty weird.
That damage to the lobby isn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Rooms in far worse shape have been repaired. Keep up the fight! The City does not appear to be handling this situation with any respectable level of honor.
It has been called to my attention that this last statement could be taken as a threat. It is not. I have no intention of causing physical harm to you Paul…although you really should get a gym membership. What I will do is get involved with whatever volunteer organization is working at the Uptown right now, though I don’t realistically have the time to do so. I will make sure that your pitiful, self-serving, small-minded antics do not cause this building to be demolished.
The Uptown is a point of family pride, and I’ll be damned if I am going to stand by and watch while you jeopardize it’s future. Do you think I am an annoyance on this web site Paul? Keep it up.
Let me tell you something that everybody already knows, Paul: you have been involved in the misfortunes of this building. You keep asking for my specific identity, ostensibly so that you can hit me with some kind of silly legal action for attacking your character. I don’t see the point in that right now. If I get the impression that you are acting in a manner that seriously threatens arguably the greatest Rapp & Rapp building ever constructed, however, you will find out who I am in a big hurry. It is quite evident that there are a lot of people out there who would like a piece of you. My advice: take your “investment opportunites” and get as far away from the Uptown Theatre as you can.