Chicagoist: Hopes For The Uptown

lookjerk

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:35:42 -0600

Forty-year-old Beth Gonder, who now lives in Rogers Park, agreed with Johnson. “I lived in Uptown almost 10 years ago, when it was truly scary,” I lived in Uptown 10 years ago, too. It wasn't very scary then. It was scarier 15-20 years ago. But this is still really good news. I lived there 25 years ago, when it was even scarier. We can do this all day. Also I bought a condo on sunnyside and broadway for $40,000.

KristinaXI

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:25:03 -0600

Who owns the Musicbox? I'd kill to see it turn into the same sort of venue, complete with midnight screenings, etc. Wishful thinking, I'm sure.

mich

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:59:51 -0600

I hope that Jam wouldnt keep it closed. Wouldnt it be in their favor to open it? It wouldnt really be competetion for them since they monopolize the area now. But I agree, poptart, the Riv is disgusting, I would hope the Uptown wouldnt have the same fate.

groggy

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:44:59 -0600

@mich--I've been meaning to order a print of one of those. Amazing shots of an amazing building. I especially like the one of all the seats.

poptart

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:40:38 -0600

I've heard from other people that they were pulling for Live Nation (the other bidder in the auction) because they're worried Jam will just sit on the Uptown and keep it closed so it won't be competition. Or worse yet that it will end up like the Riv (which, lets face it is hardly restored to its former glory)Maybe this is Jam's way of trying to reassure the community? I can't say who's right but it is good news that at least SOME progress is being made.

mich

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:40:01 -0600

Cool documentary groggy. Carey Primeau also has some great photos on his site of the inside of the Uptown: http://careyprimeau.com/section/26624.html

Rob Christopher

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:15:05 -0600

It sure would be nice for it to be used as a movie theater/screening space occasionally, as it was originally intended. Not holding my breath though.

Kevin Robinson

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:12:10 -0600

“You would think that with all of the taxes we’re paying, the city could squeeze a few of those dollars towards the theater,” said 27-year-old Uptown resident Kirt Johnson. “It would be great to see a community gathering place created there.” Why do i ahve the feeling that this will be a venue for paid events, and not a community gathering space?

bibliogrrl

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:10:35 -0600

groggy

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:55:20 -0600

If you're wondering what the theater looks like on the inside now, check out this documentary. I'm in love with it!