Save the Historic Uptown Theatre in Chicago

  • Author:
    n/a
  • Send To:
    All Parties Who Have a Voice in the Fate of the Uptown Theatre
  • Sponsored By:
    Compass Rose Cultural Crossroads
  • More Info at:
The Save the Historic Uptown Theatre petition is intended to increase awareness about the renovation and reuse potential of an important historic landmark and to document the public support that exists for its use as an entertainment venue. Compass Rose Cultural Crossroads, the sponsor of this petition, is NOT seeking monetary donations for the restoration of the theatre and is not associated with any groups or organizations that claim to raise money for a reuse project. The Uptown Theatre is privately owned and there is not an opportunity to make donations at this time. We encourage anyone who is interested in the preservation of the Uptown Theatre to sign the petition and to write a letter of support to the theatre's owners and to local government officials. For more information, visit the Uptown Theatre Information page.

Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago
Alderman Mary Ann Smith, 48th Ward, Chicago
Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th Ward, Chicago
Mayors Chief of Staff Sheila OGrady, Chicago
Commissioner Denise M. Casalino, Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Commissioner Stan Kaderbek, Chicago Department of Buildings
Commissioner Lois Weisberg, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
Director Dorothy Coyle, Chicago Office of Tourism
Executive Director Jim Law, Mayors Office of Special Events, Chicago
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
State Representative Larry McKeon
M. Hill Hammock, Chair, Chicago Historical Society
Mr. David Mosena, Chairman, Chicago Landmarks Commission
Mr. David Bahlman, President, Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois
Mr. Maynard Crossland, Director, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Mr. John M. Fowler, Executive Director, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Ms. Cynthia Field, Director, Office of Architectural History and Historic Preservation, Smithsonian Institution
Ms. Bonnie Burnham, President, World Monuments Fund
Lunn Partners, LLC
Uptown Chicago Commission
Uptown Chamber of Commerce
Uptown Historical Society
Uptown Community Development Corp.
Chicago Architecture Foundation

We the undersigned wish to make known our concerns for the future of the historic Uptown Theatre at 4816 N. Broadway in Chicago. We believe that:


The Uptown Theatre is a unique architectural, historic, and cinematic treasure that is worthy of preservation as an entertainment venue. Nationwide, few so-called Movie Palaces or historic theatres of the Uptowns scale and grandeur have survived in their entirety. Most have been either demolished or completely gutted in short-sighted commercial ventures, often converting them to condos or shopping malls and leaving only the facades. The Uptown Theatre is considered one of the last, best theatres not yet renovated, and therefore offers a rare opportunity for a complete restoration project. It has already been declared a historic landmark both inside and out and is included on several city, state, and national historic buildings lists. Along with the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera Theatre, the world-famous Green Mill jazz club, and the many elaborate terra-cotta buildings that line Lawrence and Broadway Avenues, the Uptown Theatre forms the core of a recognized historic district and for that reason alone must be restored.

The restoration of the Uptown Theatre is in fact the key to the revitalization of the entire Uptown neighborhood, one of the most culturally vibrant areas in Chicago. Uptown is favored by its enviable location near Lake Michigan; its diverse residents; its proximity to the well-established neighborhoods of Andersonville, Edgewater, and Wrigleyville; its excellent public transportation; and its abundance of attractive housing to make it the next region of Chicago to experience regrowth and development. The time is right and the interest exists within the community to restore the Uptown Theatre. Resurrecting Uptown as an entertainment district will attract money and tourism to the north side of Chicago.

Although the Uptown Theatre has remained closed for many years, studies indicate that it is structurally sound and a good candidate for restoration. An Urban Land Institute study, sponsored and funded by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to help develop a vision for the market potential and planning/design of the Uptown Entertainment District, supports this conclusion. The ULI report states that the Uptown Theatre is the crown jewel of the Uptown District and one of the most outstanding theatres in the United States and that it must be restored. We hope to inspire civic leaders, urban planners, and other interested parties in selecting a reuse project that will restore and preserve, at a bare minimum, the faзade, the main lobby, and the grand auditorium. With only minor modification it can be reopened as an entertainment venue, cultural center, and reception /convention hall of which the City of Chicago can be proud. The restored theatre probably will be required to accommodate more uses than intended for by the original theatre, but this can be done sensitively and with respect to the original design.

The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois must take proactive roles in the restoration of the Uptown Theatre. As part of a TIF (tax incremented finance) district a portion of the necessary funds to begin such a project could be made available. At a minimum, funds should be granted for the stabilization of the building and to provide for minimal repairs to prevent further deterioration of the theatre. Time is of the essence. A building can be mothballed for future restoration but nothing lasts forever.

Because the Uptown Theatre is a national treasure, the public deserves to have a voice in the fate of this theatre. We ask that the public be kept informed of any plans in the works and be allowed to voice our opinion on such plans. To date, area residents and nationwide supporters of the theatre rely on speculation and rumor for updates. We hope that communication can be improved. We ask that any planning meetings be made open to the public, and that regular public meetings for the restoration of the theatre be initiated immediately.

Restoring the Uptown Theatre will help preserve the communitys appearance and character and maintain its unique identity and personality. It will provide our children, our childrens children, and all generations to come a glimpse of the stunning architecture of our forefathers and mothers. We thank you for your time and attention.

3489 Signatures

  • Michele K
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60618
    • Address
    • 2525 W. Hutchinson
  • Nancy M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
  • Danielle M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 32277
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • Save it!! I'd love to see it!
  • Christopher G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60660
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • architect - live in chicago
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • How could such an amazing work of art and of such historical significance be neglected to the point that it has been? How is this not a top priority for the city of Chicago?
  • Dolores W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 97206-2605
  • Carole C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 30518
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I was born and raised in Chicago, and my fondest memories growing up was going to the Uptown Theatre. It was breathtaking.
  • Kenneth H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 45208
    • Address
    • 4929 Bouton Street, Cincinnati OH
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • member, Chicago History Museum
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I was born and grew up in Chicago, 1942-1970. Going to a night at the movies at the Uptown was something as wonderful and enchanting as a fairytale; no matter what the movie. It was walking into the theater, being there that mattered most.
  • billie s
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 85367
    • Address
    • 11642 s. sheila
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • from chicago
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • yuma
  • Felipe C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60411
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • Bruce Springsteen / Frank Zappa
  • Sarah R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
  • Ian H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Address
    • 1220 W Gunnison St., Apt. 1E, Chicago, IL
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Resident of Uptown
  • Mark L
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60626
    • Address
    • 1742 W Touhy ave Apt 1N
  • Miguel
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60617
    • Address
    • 10543 South Avenue F
  • Mary S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 75149
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • My mom used to take me to the Uptown on weekends to see movies. I remembered when they closed the Uptown and the Rivera. I swore then if I won the lottery I would buy the Uptown and reopen it. She is a beauty full of great architecture, memories and the love of the people of the city of Chicago. SAVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Serena W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Chicago Resident, Art History Grad Student at UIC
  • Terra D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 53147
    • Address
    • Lake Geneva,Wi
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • В
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • В
  • john m. m
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 62002
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • AALA Alton Area Landmarks Association
  • Ellen R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 30215
  • marlene k
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • national trust for historic preservation
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • unparalleled beauty/revive historic uptown crossroads of broadway and lawrence/bring much needed economic boost to neighborhood
  • Michael D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Theatre Artist and Educator
  • Chantal
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
    • Address
    • 948 w. cuyler apt. 111
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Student at Harrington College of Design
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I'm trying to recapture the original floor plans because I am redesigning/preserving this structure for a my senior year THESIS project.
  • Jill D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60625
    • Address
    • В
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • В
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • В
  • Sandy S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60506
    • Address
    • 113 S. Elmwood Dr. Aurora, Il. 60506
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • former Andersonville resident
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • A theatre this grand needs to be saved. For the up and coming theatre majors, architectural majors and for all who enjoy the stage.
  • Seth P
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 11216
    • Address
    • В
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • В
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • В
  • claudia k
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60660
    • Address
    • 5619 n wayne ave g2
  • GREGORY J H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60634
    • Address
    • 3725 N OSCEOLA AVE
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Chicago
  • Catrina C H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60062
    • Address
    • В
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • В
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I have lived in Chicago 20 years and have been eagerly waiting to see this historical treasure revitalized. I used to look at it out the windows of the el as a student at NU and wonder about its story. Please bring it back to it's original glory!!
  • Victoria M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60004
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Born and raised on 4900 blk of hermitage and visited the grand theater.
  • Anna B
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60657
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Chicagoan and student of Loyola!
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • The northside is really losing its flavor and touch. I would love more than any other development in Chicago to see it restored FULLY!
  • Ryan G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60202
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Live in Chicago ~ historic music venue lover
  • Chelsea
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60657
  • Eva San P
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60614
    • Address
    • 2020 N. Lincoln Park West, Unit 31D, Chicago, IL
  • Pete P
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
  • Michelle V
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60076
    • Address
    •  
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    •  
  • Shannon J
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60657
    • Address
    • 1309 W Barry
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    •  
  • Adam G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 77089
    • Address
    • 11410 Sagemorgan, Houston, TX 77089
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • Such beautiful examples of amazing craftsmanship such as this must be saved. We owe at least that to our culture.
  • Dominic T
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Live in Uptown.
  • joanne l
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
  • Brian E
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60625
    • Address
    •  
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    •  
  • Ginger F. L
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 34787
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • The history of this building alone should be reason enough, but it would also be a great location for Broadway productions, The Grand Lobby would be perfect for mascarade balls, convention style meetings or even weddings. It's a beautiful building full of unique architecture and design that generations from now should be allowed to enjoy in person rather than pictures only.
  • Anthony P. R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 34787
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • This theatre should be a monument to American Theatre, not left to ruin.
  • Ayashi F
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 96818
  • Adam K
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60625-1854
    • Address
    • 5042 N Oakley
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Apt 2
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • Chicago
  • Jared W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
  • Andrew B
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60660
    • Address
    • 1062 w bryn mawr ave apt 720
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    •  
  • John N
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60638
    • Address
    •  
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    • Chicago native and resident
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I enjoy film & architecture so acquiring an urge to save architechural gems is a natural cause due to my interests. Also, if Chicago ever wants to to be a city that is known for its arts it should back it up by preserving every movie palace that's still standing. Provide a unique venue for artists to perform in while enriching the neighborhood and the city altogether. Chicago's characer is turning bland due to genrtification (and there's different degrees of such an act), and the entitlement of my generation has little to no respect for the past. Save Uptown. Save the future.
  • gary o
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60645
    • Address
    •  
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    •  
  • John C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Address
    • 1122 W Catalpa Ave, Apt 714
  • Anthony N
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60657
  • Michelle G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
    • Address
    • 4425 N. Hazel
    • Affiliation -- Please let us know if you belong to an organization that supports historic preservation, are a member of a theatre company, live in Chicago or the surrounding areas, or have any affiliation that you feel might be of interest to the individu
    •  
    • Comments -- We invite you to share with us your memories of the Uptown Theatre or your thoughts on why such an historic venue should be preserved.
    • I've never seen the inside, and only remember seeing it from the outside for the last 20-something years. I'd love to be a part of something historic