Telegram Sam wrote:
W_Z wrote:
weird, i was just at the patio theater not long ago and i kept reading it was closed but i guess it opens for certain events (googled the guy).
Yeah, the Patio is in pretty good shape but has been plagued by HVAC problems. The did a successful kickstarter a few years back to get their digital projector, then the heat crapped out. Tim Cullerton, who was 38th ward alderman at the time, managed to scare up some funds or a tax break for the family that owned it, but they just kind of hobbled along, booking and cancelling film festivals, etc. Eventually the contracted Carranza to manage it. More of the same. Stuff gets booked, promoted, then cancelled or moved. Both the Portage and the Patio suck for parking. They were neighborhood movie houses. IMU, the Irving Park Blue line stop is about 7 blocks away from the Portage.
parking did suck. i was able to park in the neighborhood area a few blocks away but i got nervous walking back because i saw a car with a smashed passenger side window, a botched attempt i suppose at stealing someone's propane tank (still intact in the car). my car was a little ways down and was fine though.
i did like the diner right across the street from the theater. pretty good food, they served beer, and the staff was friendly. it was a pretty cool evening all in all. the theater's cool but definitely old.