Preservation Chicago and the Friends of Uptown Theatre have sponsored the petition “Mayor Rahm Emanuel: Restore the Uptown!” Momentum is growing, but we need your help!
PLEASE add your name and spread the word. Please consider sharing this with your friends and family via email and social media.
At the time of publication, we had received over 7,635 signatures. Our new goal is to reach 10,000 signatures and we need your support to make that happen.
Link to “Please Restore the UPTOWN THEATRE!” Petition”
Shuttered since 1981, the Uptown Theatre means so much to the people of Uptown and Chicago. Its restoration and reuse would bring jobs and make a positive economic impact on the neighborhood and Chicago.
It can be done. Across town in Logan Square, the 3,500 capacity Congress Theater, a Designated Chicago Landmark, recently began an extensive $65 million renovation by developer Michael Moyer with “the goal to ensure the building last another 100 years” according to the architect Andy Tinucci. Sources tell Preservation Chicago that the restoration of the Uptown Theater is similar at an estimated $70 million.
“We’ve come very far in the 50 years since the demolition of the Garrick Theater and Chicago Stock Exchange building when your common citizen may not have been involved in architectural preservation,” said Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago. “But this is another example of a project that has so much good potential in so many ways and something that could positively impact the entire Uptown Entertainment District.” (LaTrace, 8/22/17)
“At some point, these projects have to become someone’s priority,” added Andy Pierce from Friend of Uptown Theatre. “The Uptown Theatre is one of our great landmarks and we’re looking for a solution.” (LaTrace, 8/22/17)
Your support for the restoration and reuse of the Chicago Landmark Uptown Theatre for entertainment and other special events will help create jobs for the community and help make the Uptown Square Entertainment District a vital destination.
Additional Reading
Link to Petition
Preservationists: The Uptown Theatre needs to become a priority, AJLaTrace, Curbed Chicago, 8/22/17