New Portage owner says landmark theater will be ready for the next 100 years when it reopens

by BRIAN NADIG

When the landmark Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., finally reopens, the goal is to have it ready for another 100 years — reminding residents of its past charm while at the same time making it suitable for the future and meeting the needs of the community.

“It’s going to be a partnership with the community,” new Portage owner Chris Bauman said of his plans, which include the possible formation of a nonprofit foundation to help run and manage the 105-year-old venue, which has been closed for several years.

A “mix” of community events, including presentations from the Silent Film Society of Chicago, to a “diverse set of popular talent” will be needed to make the Portage successful, said Bauman, who has owned the Avondale Music Hall and the Patio Theater, the latter of which is temporarily closed but will be reopening.

Bauman, founder of the Zenith Music Group, is no stranger to the Portage and said that the 1,300-seat theater can attract top talent — even some performers before they hit stardom.

Bauman helped run the theater from 2014 to 2018, bringing singer and rapper Post Malone in 2014 to the Portage, where he had his first Chicago performance. “500 people were there, (and) now he sells out 50,000-person stadiums,” Bauman said. “It can be done.”

The theater’s reopening has long been seen as a key to rejuvenating the entire block, which has multiple empty storefronts and lots. “You want them go have dinner before the show,” Bauman said.

The challenges to get the Portage reopened are not small, but Bauman said that he believes his experience operating theaters through good times and in economic downturns provides him with the background and patience needed to be successful.

Bauman said that he plans to pay the $503,000 in back taxes owed on the property to the county and to quickly address the housing court lawsuit which the city filed last year against the previous owners. He was able to purchase the theater from the Portage Theater LLC for only $25,000 due to issues such as the taxes and lawsuit.

At a recent court hearing, city officials reported that the new owner will have to provide structural condition reports on the marquee and exposed metal, including a fire escape, and suggested that the new owner meet with a city inspector to get a better understanding of what improvements will be required.

It also was reported that the building has no working heat system. The court appointed a receivership to oversee basic maintenance and security of the property, and the court will have to decide when to turn over keys to the theater to the new owner — which could happen next month.

Bauman said that the receivership has been very cooperative in granting access when needed and that he has a structural engineer visiting the property this month.

“The building is actually in good shape,” Bauman said. “It’s a great marquee. … it’s still super solid. The outer structure is a frame, similar to a house.”

Bauman said that he hopes at the next hearing the court will allow for the removal of scaffolding around the marquee after the structural condition report is submitted. The city has ordered the scaffolding to remain up due to concerns about the marquee’s condition.

In terms of a timeline for when the Portage can reopen, Bauman said it’s too early to give a prediction on a date and the cost and that his focus will be on doing it the right way — not just throwing on a coat of paint.

As a city landmark, some renovations could be held to higher standards and face reviews by the landmarks commission.

“They don’t build (theaters) like this anymore,” Bauman said, adding that “its integrity and beauty” will be the guiding principles for its renovation and reopening.

Dennis Wolkowicz, a former operator of the Portage and founder of the silent film society, passed away earlier this year.

Bauman said that part of his motivation to restore and reopen older theaters stems from the love and joy he saw from someone like Dennis running the Portage.

If Dennis and others like him — wherever they are — have big smiles when the doors to the Portage reopen, things will be headed in the right direction, Bauman said.

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