Repairs to Portage Theater have to adhere to rules on city landmarks, as updates given at court hearing 

by BRIAN NADIG

The Portage Theater’s landmark status could slow down repairs to the 104-year-old building, 4054 N. Milwaukee Ave., as the landmarks division has to ensure construction work maintains the integrity of the historic structure.

In addition, landmark requirements could add to the cost of repairs and the permit process.

At an Aug. 1 hearing on a city lawsuit alleging building code violations at the theater, it was reported that large windows to a second-floor ballroom could not be boarded up during recent repairs because of landmark rules.

As a result, stormwater could enter the building, presumably causing damage, Six Corners Association managing director Amie Zander testified. Birds also were seen flying through the open space, she said.

“It really looks worse than ever,” Zander said. “We really want to see (the building) repurposed into something new” or reopened.

The windows reportedly were removed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the lentil, a support structure located near the windows, which are above the marquee, according to the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Most of the windows were reinstalled on or around July 23, although a couple are boarded up. The city’s latest inspection of the theater, which has been closed since 2018, reportedly was a few days earlier.

For weeks there was scaffolding on the front facade of the building, with open windows on the second floor, and the city in its lawsuit maintains that work was being done without the proper permits, and it is requiring the theater ownership to provide a structural engineering report of the building.

A theater attorney testified that the report is expected to be ready by Aug. 15.

It also was reported that some of the needed exterior repairs could be the responsibility of the owner of the building’s apartments. Portage Theater LLC and Avra Properties are listed as defendants on the lawsuit, but a separate entity owns the apartments and some of the building’s storefronts.

City chief assistant corporation counsel Glenn Angel said that the apartment owner may have to be brought into the case.

Angel added that he plans to talk to Buildings Commissioner Marlene Hopkins about how to best balance any need for structural repairs while still meeting landmarks standards.

Landmarks Illinois advocacy manager Kendra Parzen said that her organization may be able help the theater secure grants or loans to help with the cost of the repairs. It also can help provide clarity on “what is and is not allowed under landmarks status” when making repairs, Parzen said.

The preservation organization recently placed the theater on its list of endangered properties in 2024. Parzen described the Portage as an “anchor of the Six Corners area.”

About 20 people attended the virtual hearing.

The Portage Park Chamber of Commerce publicized the Zoom access information for the hearing in an effort to encourage residents to attend. The chamber is stressing on the important role the Portage could play in the area’s continued revitalization.

“I appreciate everyone’s interest in the neighborhood,” Angel said, adding that the city wants to keep the repair process moving forward. “We are going to keep a tight leash on things.”

The next hearing was set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5.

An earlier date could not be scheduled, as city and county officials are trying to reduce court activities during the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19 – 22.

The city also took the theater to court several years ago for building code violations.

For more information on the struggles facing the theater:

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