“Ever since he moved to Uptown in 2006, Chicago writer Robert Loerzel was drawn to one geographical point: the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Broadway.

“One hundred years ago, the intersection was ground zero for entertainment in Chicago: jazz at the Green Mill, dance bands at the Aragon Ballroom, vaudeville performers at the Riviera Theater and Hollywood movies at the Uptown Theatre.

“‘If I could take a trip and spend a night on the corner in 1925, that would be pretty fun,” he said.

“His new book, ‘The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace’ (CityFiles Press), is the closest available thing to a time machine. Available Aug. 18, the day the Uptown opened its doors to the public in 1925, the book features photographs — both archival, dating back to its earlier days, and those shot over recent years — that reveal the building’s grandeur.

“The images also tell the improbability of the theater’s survival. Designed as a temple to silent films, the 46,000-square-foot palace was built for maximum audiences. Next to a wide orchestra pit, the theater featured seating for more than 4,000 people who could exit onto Lawrence Avenue or Magnolia Street, while another 4,000 people could stream in after holding in the splendorous lobby.

“Waiting to enter the theater from the lobby was part of the experience. There, audiences could look up and blink in the light of three giant chandeliers, alongside decorative elements such as colored glass windows, murals, jeweled ornaments from France and Italy, French clocks, spires and minarets.

“The Uptown has been shuttered since 1981, but Loerzel toured the theater three times while working on the book. He said what most impressed him was its colossal scale.

“‘The ceiling is so high; you have columns that go up and up and up,’ he said. ‘Just how elaborately designed it was made it an incredible work of architecture.'” (Guarino, Chicago Sun-Times, 8/15/25)

Preservation Chicago has long advocated for the restoration of the Uptown Theatre. The Uptown is an extraordinary Chicago asset that would be a powerful economic driver in Uptown. We strongly supported the effort to restore the Uptown in 2018 under Rahm Emanuel’s administration when the cost was estimated at $75M. Today in 2025, the cost is estimated at $190M. The longer we wait, the more expensive the restoration becomes and opportunities for economic vibrancy, supporting local businesses, and local employment are missed. Fortunately, the Uptown Theatre is a Designated Chicago Landmark and is being actively maintained, so demolition is not a top concern. However, vacant buildings without active uses is not sustainable long-term. We urge all decision-makers to harness the earmark the neccesary to restore the Uptown Theatre

Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times

• The Uptown Theatre turns 100 with a new book and serious questions about its future; Chicago’s favorite relic is hosting a group photo on Saturday, and a new book about its grandiose past and uncertain future comes out this week, Mark Guarino, Chicago Sun-Times, 8/15/25
• The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace, by Robert Loerzel and James A. Pierce
• Column: Will there be more birthdays for the Uptown Theatre? A new book looks at its history, Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 9/10/25
• WATCH: Our Chicago: The future of the Uptown Theatre, ABC 7 News Chicago, Tanja Babich interviews Loerzel and Preservation Chicago’s Ward Miller, 8/24/25
• LISTEN: Reset: Past, present and future of the Uptown Theatre as it turns 100, The Uptown Theatre marks its centennial anniversary despite spending more than 40 of those years in vacancy, Mariah Woelfel interviews Loerzel, David Syfczak, and Preservation Chicago’s Ward Miller, WBEZ Chicago, 8/20/25
• WATCH: Long-Shuttered Uptown Theatre Marks Centennial With New Book, Renewed Momentum for Restoration, Nick Blumberg, WTTW Chicago, 9/8/25
• WATCH: Chicago’s Uptown Theater at 100, Eddie Arruza (12:01)
• Why I bought the Uptown Theatre and fight for its restoration; We’re not chasing a dream. We’re building a plan, Jerry Mickelson, Chicago Tribune, 8/15/25
• Will The Uptown Theatre Ever Reopen? Historic Movie Palace Turns 100 Amid Latest Revival Effort, The Uptown Theatre has sat vacant for 44 of its 100 years. Efforts to reopen it have come and gone. A new effort carries a $190 million price tag, with funding yet to be secured. “Uptown is missing its crown jewel,” its owner said, Mack Liederman and Madison Savedra, Block Club Chicago, 8/18/25
• Every Man a King, As the shuttered Uptown Theatre turns 100, a new book relives its storied past and pleads for its restoration. Here’s what we learned, Paula Kamen, Chicago Magazine, 8/18/25
• Paris on Politics: New book on history of Uptown Theatre, Paris Schutz, Fox32 Chicago, 8/20/25
• Uptown Theatre: 100 years of glory and decay; The shuttered Uptown Theatre, a ‘splendiferous palace’ of cinema and live entertainment, awaits its resurrection, Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 8/10/25
• Robert Loerzel Interview on Getting a little wiser with Johnnie and Steve, WGN NewsRadio 720, 9/8/25
• Chicago History Podcast — Episode 812: Chicago’s Uptown Theater with author Robert Loerzel, interviewed by Tommy Henry, August 16, 2025