“One of two main parties working to reopen the Uptown Theatre has backed out of the project, but plans to renovate the historic theater are still in the works, according to the venue’s owner.
“Farpoint Development is no longer involved in the efforts to revitalize the Uptown Theatre, the legendary movie palace and concert hall that has been shuttered since 1981. Jerry Mickelson, owner of the theater and founder of JAM Productions, and Ald. James Cappleman (46th) confirmed the news Monday.
“Mickelson and Farpoint Development joined city leaders in 2018 to announce a $75 million plan to restore and reopen the Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway. The project was meant to revive a landmark building that would anchor a revamped Uptown entertainment district, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at the time. Construction was originally slated to begin in summer 2019, but the date came and went.
“Then the coronavirus pandemic swept in, causing a shutdown of the entertainment industry that endures one year later. Farpoint Development’s decision to back out of the project throws up yet another obstacle for the project. The Sun-Times on Monday first reported the news of Farpoint’s decision.
“Despite the setbacks, Mickelson said his efforts to reopen the Uptown are moving forward.
“Mickelson and Farpoint Development’s plans envisioned restoring the venue to its Jazz Age grandeur. On top of restoring the building’s facade and historic features, the project would have increased capacity from 4,300 to 5,800, installed removable seats on the first floor and added a new marquee.
“The project was boosted by $40 million in public funding, including from an Uptown tax increment financing district and the city’s adopt-a-landmark fund. Project leaders were on their own to secure the remaining $35 million, which proved to be a challenge. By November 2019, Mickelson and Farpoint still needed to raise $26 million, the Chicago Tribune reported at the time.
“Cappleman said the project still retains its public funding and is likely to get back on track in a post-coronavirus world.” (Ward, Block Club Chicago, 3/22/21)
Preservation Chicago has been a longtime advocate for the restoration and reuse of the Uptown Theatre.
As a child in the 50’s watching triple features on Saturday with cartoons, I am all for the restoration of the theater. On Saturday’s, in addition to the movies, the Uptown gave out coupons for a ice cream at the “Peter Pan” restaurant across the street. They even had some live entertainment.
I understand that the seating for showing movies is not feasible with multi-plex movie houses and the advent of streaming services, but the grandeur of the entrance lobby and walls/ceiling will enchant and enhance the experience of all attendees to 1920’s artisans.