The Uptown Theatre Turns 100. What’s Next For The Always-Closed Movie Palace?

Famous for its grandeur and colossal size, the Uptown Theatre celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Over the last century, the Uptown has seen its highs and lows, but after being shuttered in 1981, the “palace” now needs a $190-million revamp. Robert Loerzel’s new book, The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace, relives the glory days of the theatre through photos and archives. Many, like Loerzel, hope the Uptown Theatre will be restored to its former purpose and splendor through the help of donor and state funding. Reset hears more about the Uptown Theatre’s history and future from Loerzel, Preservation Chicago executive director Ward Miller, and David Syfczak, caretaker for the Uptown Theatre for the last 30 years. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.