Preservation Chicago is thrilled to support the new book, The UPTOWN: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace by Robert Loerzel and Andy Pierce.
“This new book from CityFiles Press celebrates the 100th anniversary of the historic Uptown Theatre, a large, lavish movie palace, a National Register building, and a designated Chicago Landmark. Delivery is scheduled for August 2025, which is the 100th anniversary of the Uptown Theatre’s grand opening.
“The UPTOWN takes readers back to the theater’s ballyhooed opening in 1925. It was a magical place created by Chicago architects Rapp & Rapp for Balaban & Katz, one of the nation’s leading theater chains of the time. The book follows the building through its five decades as a theater and its four decades of darkness. From its early days of silent movies, theatre organ, orchestras, and stage shows to the hazy memories of the hottest rock acts of the 1970s and ’80s.
“With its selection of breathtaking photos, the book reveals the majesty of this architectural masterpiece, which has been closed since 1981. Efforts to restore and reopen the theater continue, and this book should help that cause.
“The authors of this deeply researched book are Robert Loerzel, an award-winning journalist who specializes in Chicago history (robertloerzel.com), and Andy Pierce, journalist, radio host, and longtime volunteer with Friends of the Uptown.
“The book is produced in collaboration with CityFiles Press editors Richard Cahan and Michael Williams, whose beautifully illustrated and designed books about Chicago and other topics have been called ‘glorious’ by the Chicago Tribune and ‘extraordinary’ by the Chicago Reader.
“For those with the ability to support the creation of this 170-page book, donations of $250 and above are welcome. See www.UptownTheatre.com for details. Donations to the 501(c)3 Landmark Uptown Theatre Corp. are tax-deductible.”
The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace
By Robert Loerzel and James A. Pierce
Hardcover: 168 pages; 157 gsm paper + flood varnish over 4-color images
$10 Discount for Pre-Orders: $40.00 (plus tax and shipping).
Books will ship August 1, 2025.
Pre-Order books at www.CityFilesPress.com
Donations at www.UptownTheatre.com to the Landmark Uptown Theatre Corp.