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
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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 faŠ·ade, 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.

3480 Signatures

  • John
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 13501
    • 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
    • Manager, Stanley Theatre, Utica NY and a frequent visitor to the Chicago area
  • Donald J. V
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 46016
    • Address
    • 1124 Meridian Plaza, Anderson, IN
    • 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
    • We have renovated the historic John Eberson-designed Paramount Theatre in Anderson, IN. It is an "atmospheric" theatre and you can visit us at www.parathea.org.
  • John H. S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60098
    • Address
    • 121 Van Buren St. Woodstock, 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
    • Managing Director, Woodstock Opera House
  • Carol S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 61820
  • Paul W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 97520
    • 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
    • Manager of Historic Theatre in Redding, CA
  • Jed B
    • 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
    • I am a local resident who has been intriguied by the theater for years and would love to see it restored and re-opened!
  • Dawn R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 61761
    • 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
    • I run a restored movie theater in Normal, IL.
    • 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.
    • New is not always better. Preservation is the only way generations of tommorrow will learn about our great and glorious past. If you lose it, you lose it for everybody, not just for those of us now.
  • Willis J
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60515
    • Address
    • 603 Rogers St., Downers Grove, 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
    • member LHAT, THS, Chicago suburban, operate 12 movie theatres of which 6 are historic
  • Benedict R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 1300
    • 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.
    • Here in NZ we have had a similar couple of endangered cinema's. One is the Auckland Civic theatre which was saved and restored. It is now an important city tourist attraction and the centre of the cultural life of the Auckland community. In Wellington we had the embassy theatre which was saved by a group including director Peter Jackson. His film LOTR: Return of the King had it's international preimere at this theatre after it was restored.
  • Maura O
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 10803
    • Address
    • PO Box 539, Pelham, NY 10803
    • 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
    • I am the Administrative Director of Pelham Picture House Preservation, Inc. a not for profit organization in Westchester County New York. Our purpose is to save the historic Pelham Picture House - a 1921 movie theater that was slated for demolition. We will create a regional film and educational center with the revitalized theater as its keystone.
  • Douglas K. Jernigan, D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 66614
    • Address
    • 5940 SW 24th Terrace Topeka, Kansas
    • 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
    • President, Historic Jayhawk Theatre, Inc. Past-President, Kansas Historic Theatre Association.
    • 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.
    • Windows into the past should be preserved if feasible, but hsitoric theatres encompass all venues of life, laughter, history, and neighborhood. It sounds like you have a national treasure!
  • Kathleen L. T
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 41101
    • 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
    • I am executive director of a restored, historic movie house in Ashland, Kentucky.
  • Kristine A. F
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 44702
    • Address
    • 605 Market Ave., North
    • 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
    • Executive Director of the Canton Palace Theatre, a fully restored 1926 Vaudville House
  • D. Anthony R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 28401
    • Address
    • PO Box 371
    • 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
    • Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., Member, League of Historic American Theatres
  • Wally C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 89316
    • Address
    • P.O. Box 284, Eureka, NV
    • 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
    • League of Historic American Theatre's
    • 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.
    • As director of an 1880 opera house I have become intimately aware of the importance of saving historic structures. We have doubled the tourism in our little Nevada community because of the restoration of the Eureka Opera House.
  • Richard B. B
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60625
    • 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
    • I live in Chicago and value the beauty of older buildings. I am all in favor of preservation of older, significant buildings.
  • Crystal L D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 97058
    • 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
    • Executive Director of The Dalles Civic Auditorium an historic building with a 1050 seat theater of its own built in 1922
  • Penne M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 71101
    • 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
    • League of Historic Amercian Theatres
    • 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 Uptown Theatre is one of the most amazingly beautiful theatres I have ever encountered. Even in its current state it is extraordinarily beautiful, and could not be duplicated today.
  • Venita P
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 96080
    • Address
    • 333 Oak Street Red Bluff, Ca
    • 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
    • State Theatre For The Arts/Tehama County Arts Council
    • 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.
    • Once they are gone... they are GONE!!!
  • Mary M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 55792
    • 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
    • Laurentian Arts and Culuture Alliance, Virginia, MN
  • Dan S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640-6510
    • Address
    • 4654 N. Kemore
    • 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.
    • We've lost so much of Chicago's history. We can't lose the Uptown
  • Daniel S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640-6510
    • Address
    • 4654 N. Kenmore Ave.#2S
    • 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
    • Since I live a block from the theater, I have a great interest in its preservation!
  • Charles S. F
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 13346
    • Address
    • P.O. Box 1895, Hamilton, NY 13346
    • 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
    • Hamilton Theater, member LHAT
  • Thomas J. Wickham S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 52004-0632
    • 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
    • League of Historic Theaters
  • Brian G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 27401
    • Address
    • 310 S. Greene Street, Greensboro
    • 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
    • LHAT
  • Numa S
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 07701
    • 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
    • CEO, Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
  • Donna Gay A
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 70402
    • Address
    • SLU 10797
    • 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
    • I am Director of a resotred historic theatre. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond, Louisiana.
    • 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 economic impact of a restored operating theatre is significant!
  • Katie O
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60640
  • Duane R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 01060
    • 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
    • LHAT Member
    • 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.
    • We have spent the last 30 years restoring the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA, it is very important to keep our old downtown theatre's open.
  • Christine D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 49036
    • Address
    • 14 S Hanchett St, Coldwater, MI
    • 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
    • Executive Director, Tibbits Opera House built in 1882
    • 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.
    • Historic theatres like the Uptown cannot be replaced. We need to preserve them; doing so has economic benefits as well as aesthetic benefits.
  • Charlie C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 28104
    • 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
    • I am president and founder of the Carolina Theatre Preservation Society in Charlotte NC
    • 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.
    • Our heritage is being torn down one building at a time in this country and people need to say enough is enough. Its a good thing the pyramids are not in this country for they would have been torn down long ago because they probably would not have produced enough revenue to remain intact.
  • John H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 67460
    • 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
    • League of Historic American Theaters, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Kanas Historic Theatre Assocation
    • 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.
    • You'll never regret the work it wil take to return this theatre to public use. Hang in there.
  • Rosalea H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 67058
    • Address
    • 121 W. Main, Harper, KS
    • 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
    • Kansas Historic Theatres Assoc.
  • Fred R. Burgess, Palace T
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 67547
    • Address
    • 223 E. 6th St. Kinsley, Kansas
    • 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
    • I serve as Secretary of the Kansas Historic Theatre's Association and helped save the Palace Theatre in our small community (POP 1,658) It is the crown jewel of our downtown.
  • Vickie H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 66801
    • Address
    • 807 Commercial Street
    • 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
    • Kansas Historic Theatre Association
    • 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.
    • As the Executive Director of the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance, Inc., we have secured funds to restore the historic Granada Theatre in Emporia, KS. Our theatre is also a "movie palace" opened in 1929. Our architectural style is Spanish Colonial Revival. Downtown Emporia is in the midst of a Renaissance. A new Streetscape project, courthouse, and active Main Street program have been essential to the campaign to raise funds for the Granada renovation. The Granada will be a multi-purpose facility for community use. It is very important that our communities save and use these historic buildings. We owe it to future generations to preserve our past.
  • Jennifer R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 61401
    • Address
    • 57 S. Kellogg St.
    • 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
    • LHAT, National Register of Historic Places
    • 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.
    • There are an endless number of reasons why we should save such landmarks: beauty, historical value, cultural value...
  • Colin C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • NP7 0LL
    • Address
    • Cwm View Cottage, Old Blackrock Road, Clydach, Abergavenny, Gwent, WALES
    • 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 is a fantastic peice of cinematic architecture. Too many of these picture palaces have been lost on both sides of the Atlantic. Please don't let this one be another lost gem.
  • Steven K
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60085
    • Address
    • 221 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan, Illinois 60085
    • 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
    • Project Manager - Genesee Theatre Restoration
  • Kim G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 70526
    • 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
    • Grand Opera House of the South
  • Ray H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 07421
    • Address
    • PO Box 891 Hewitt NJ 07421
  • Chuck M
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60647
  • Arlene K. W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 10021
    • 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
    • Municipal Art Society, Film Forum, American Museum of the Moving Image, Old Merchant's House
  • Charles Edward R
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
    • Address
    • 3719 N. Southport Ave, #119
    • 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
    • Lifetime resident of Chicago
  • Joseph R. D
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60647
    • 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
    • Founding Member, THS; Theatre Historian
    • 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 participated in many efforts to preserve the building over the last 40 years, recognizing all the opportunities and difficulties in htis area.
  • Peter E. G
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60091
    • Address
    • Wilmette, IL
  • William L
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
    • Address
    • 635 West Grace Street, Apt 1206, Chicago IL
  • william l
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 60613
  • William E. H
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 46516
    • Address
    • 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, In. 46516
    • 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
    • League of Historic American Theatre's
  • Elizabeth W
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 94109
  • Dan C
    • Zip Code/Postal Code
    • 04073