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It's now (sort of) official: Robert Redford's Sundance Cinemas has signed a lease to open an eight-screen theater on the site of the former Fannie May candy factory in the West Loop. The last time we reported on this story was way back in 2005. But as anyone waiting for a Dominick's to reopen in lakeview can tell you, real estate development often moves about as quickly as a glacier. (Tangental rhetorical question: whatever happened to the Trader Vic's that's supposed to be reopening here in Chicago?)
At this point however it seems like the Sundance deal is finally happening. They've agreed to occupy 40,000 square feet of space in a building that will also contain a bar and restaurant, other commercial tenants, and residential space on the upper floors. (Speaking of that Trader Vic's, wouldn't this be a great place for it?) The parcel of land at 1137 W. Jackson was a Fannie May candy factory until the company went belly up in 2004; it has since come out of bankruptcy after being bought out.
As for Sundance, they seem to be bucking the trend which has seen some tough times for movie theaters. But rather than trying to amp up the movie theater experience with gimmicks like 3-D or designer martinis to get butts in the seats, Mr. Redford is sticking with good old-fashioned indie content to lure people away from their high-def home theaters. They've just opened a theater in Madison and have plans for others in San Francisco and Denver. The target opening date for the Chicago theater is 2009.
To us, the West Loop sounds like a good choice of location. It's underserved as far as entertainment options go; after all, you can only go to so many Oprah tapings. Its location right off the Eisenhower could prove very seductive to motorists from the burbs. If it means that they'll get some culture and help to support indie cinema, we're all for it.
Fannie May photo via B12 Solipsism
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this is great news! chicago is at a sore lack of of good independent cinema places.
i can't wait.
The areas down there are underserved by theaters too. Imagine if you live anywhere outside of Streeterville or Old Town, where do you go for a show? This will serve people from West Town to Oak Park, Bridgeport to the South Loop and UIC. It's about time. Not looking forward to the traffic though. West Loop is going to really start getting crowded one of these days.
there are 3 trader vics in chicago, the one on clybourn is almost touching downtown...rhetorical response
Josh,
You're confusing Trader Vic's (the tiki bar/restaurant) with Trader JOE'S (the grocery store). Wouldn't be the first time that's happened ...
I smell the horrors of gentrification, which we all know is evil from the many anti-condo posts on this blog. Turns out if its something you like though, it's okay.
You would all be protesting if it were becoming a Macy's or loft condo development.
Where is Trader Vic's?!?
I've been waiting for ever! I'll never set foot in Harry Carry's!
If that Dominick's on Columbus and Grand can finally open, ANYTHING can open.
Trader Vic's is not supposed to open until the end of 2007.
Horror of Horrors:
Chicago does NOT need another "Macy's or loft condo development," but a multi-screen theater devoted to indie and foreign cinema WOULD actually be cool. Big difference.
When is this going to open? Any news? They ought to premiere Lions for Lambs there.