Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Pierce.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In the early 1970s, a campaign of interested volunteers petitioned the corporate successor to Balaban and Katz to investigate other uses for the c. 1925 Uptown Theatre beyond just movies. This was an attempt to ensure sufficient revenue and interest was generated to maintain the viability of the structure. At this time, rock concert promoters booked occasionally to great success and profit. The musical acts of Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Charlie Daniels Band, Dire Straits, ELO, Elvis Costello, Frank Zappa, Genesis, Grateful Dead, Rick James, Bob Marley, Prince, Santana, Rod Stewart and others performed at the theater.
However, with deferred maintenance in the 1960s and 1970s, when revenues were failing, the building at more than 50 years had reached a point of much-needed repairs. Rather than manage the building, it was marketed, sold, and reverted back to the successor, Plitt Theatres. With no ability to manage such a complex facility, Plitt boarded up the building and awaited further ideas.
Most of the damage to the building occurred when the building was unheated in the early 1980s, making it unusable without restoration. Subsequently, even with the assistance primarily of volunteers, the building remained in the hands of a notorious tax-sale buyer and continued to deteriorate. During this time volunteers managed to have the theater designated a Chicago Landmark and recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. Friends of the Uptown, organized in 1998, is a group of volunteers that works in concert with local leaders and the building’s owners. Friends of the Uptown helps coordinate activities to connect people who share an interest in the Uptown.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. We have been lucky to stay active and maintain good relationships through a succession of owners and receivers.
At one point, an alleged nonprofit raised over $1 million in the name of the theatre but had nothing to do with it. Those funds were used by private individuals and never reached the theatre. Our best accomplishment has been the court-ordered repairs and stabilization overseen by a court-appointed receiver. More than $3 million has been invested so far.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Friends of the Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL USA – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are volunteers focused on raising awareness about the potential for renovating and reusing the historic Uptown Theatre. We do not solicit donations.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that many Chicagoans are optimistic and that they are open to new ideas and new people. It is fairly open and people are fairly approachable.
There are some who are not patient and will give up if something is not easy or if it is not done during what they think is a reasonable amount of time. People feel and express ownership over a neighborhood or a block within a very short time. That has both good and bad effects on things.
I like to take the longer view: What can we do that will have a lasting impact, to help improve lives, for all time?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uptowntheatre.com
- Phone: NA
- Email: uptown1925@hotmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theuptowntheatre
- Twitter: @uptownuptown
Image Credit:
Theatre Historical Society of America
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