Designed by Rapp and Rapp the Uptown Theatre stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is a movie palace of grand proportions. Have you ever stepped into a space that feels both historic and magical? The Uptown Theatre is such a place.
Known also as Balaban and Katz Uptown Theatre this architectural marvel opened its doors on August 18 1925. It was advertised as “An Acre of Seats in a Magic City”. The grand opening featured a parade with over 200 floats. A grand ball at Harmon’s Arcadia followed. Over 12000 eager people lined up hoping to be among the first audience members.
Originally, the Uptown Theatre employed over 130 people. This included a 34 piece orchestra and even a nurse and firemen. The Uptown Theatre distinguished itself with elaborate stage shows. These shows were uniquely themed to match the movie being shown. Other theaters typically presented basic Vaudeville acts.
The Uptown Theatre continued showing movies for decades. Stage shows were briefly revived in 1949. Queen for a Day a television show was filmed here with a live audience during the 1950s and 1960s.
Between 1974 and 1976 the Uptown Theatre was partially restored. It transitioned into a major concert venue. The Grateful Dead graced its stage three times between 1978 and 1981. The J Geils Band was the last to perform before its closure.
Unfortunately the Uptown Theatre closed in the winter of 1981. A burst water pipe caused extensive damage. Deferred maintenance and vandalism further deteriorated the building.
Despite its closure the Uptown Theatre has appeared in several movies. Backdraft I Love Trouble and Home Alone 2 all filmed scenes here. Regina Spektor’s music video for “Black and White” was filmed in the lobby in 2016.
Preservation efforts have been ongoing. In 1990 interior fixtures were donated for future restoration projects. In 2006 the exterior was secured and terra cotta pieces cataloged.
JAM Productions purchased the Uptown Theatre in 2008. Restoration costs are estimated at $70 million. Friends of the Uptown founded in 1998 actively support the theater’s restoration.
The Uptown Theatre landed on Landmarks Illinois’ list of “Ten Most Endangered Historic Places” multiple times. A 2006 documentary titled Uptown Portrait of a Palace explores the theater’s history.
The Uptown Theatre is featured on the cover of The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban and Katz. It is a true Chicago icon.
Many notable performers have graced its stage. These include Bob Marley Bruce Springsteen and Frank Zappa.
The Uptown Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It became a Chicago Landmark in 1991.
The Uptown Theatre remains a symbol of Chicago’s entertainment history. Its grand architecture and rich past captivate all who pass by. Restoration plans offer hope that this palace will once again shine. The vision is for the Uptown Theatre to reclaim its place as a vibrant entertainment hub. It will enrich Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.