Uptown Theatre

When Balaban and Katz acquired this property, which had been used as an outdoor beer garden and dance hall by the Green Mill, they were unable to also purchase the building next to it. Hence, the lobby is positioned perpendicular to the auditorium.

Spanish Baroque and other influences are seen throughout. Theater employees were sent to Europe and Asia to purchase decor for this and other Balaban and Katz properties. The Uptown was decorated with ornate drapery, sculptures of women and cupids, gargoyles, griffins, mythological gods and demons, and bronze chandeliers. Most of these items were sold at auction in the 1960s when the theater ran into financial difficulties.

The theatre has multiple lobbies, which could hold the auditorium’s entire capacity. This allowed the house to be completely turned over in minutes between shows. The lobby includes a giant circular stairway.

Commonly found in theaters designed by Chicago-based Rapp and Rapp, which also designed the Chicago Theatre with two fountains that were later removed. Florists competed to have their designs featured under the fountain’s changing color spotlights.

A nurse was part of the theatre’s staff.

Balaban and Katz theatres offered child-care services to enhance the theatre-going experience of mothers of young children. At the Uptown, the concept developed into a very modern looking indoor playground. The nursery was actually a suite of two rooms. The first, smaller room was a reception area for mothers. The remainder of the space was for the children.

The oval room included Dresden figurines and porcelain flowers. It adjoined a larger powder room that featured vanity tables and chairs.

2,281 seats.

The band and organ console on a disappearing stage, able to be raised and lowered.