Save the Portage Theater

Save the Portage Theater Grassroots Action Why is this place important? and Edward Browarsky. Source: Landmarks Illinois.

A designated Chicago landmark, the Portage Theater (previously Portage Park Theatre) was built in 1920 by real estate speculators J.M. The Ascher Brothers, one of Chicago’s largest movie theater owners during the 1920s, leased and operated the building. Although the Ascher Brothers exited the theater business in 1929, the Portage Theater stayed open under various operators for decades and was an i

mportant cultural institution for the surrounding Northwest Side neighborhood. It remains a visual landmark on North Milwaukee Avenue near Portage Park’s “Six Corners” commercial area. Architecturally, it is noteworthy for its elaborate Art Moderne and Neoclassical interiors and its cream-colored exterior terra cotta. https://www.landmarks.org/preservation-programs/most-endangered-historic-places-in-illinois/portage-theater/ #:~:text=A%20designated%20Chicago%20landmark%2C%20the,leased%20and%20operated%20the%20building.

It seems like an eternity but it's only been a year since we saw the warm smile and heard the beautiful music of Dennis ...
02/24/2026

It seems like an eternity but it's only been a year since we saw the warm smile and heard the beautiful music of Dennis Wolkowicz, aka Jay Warren. He is missed.

Address

4946 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
60641

Telephone

+17737772020

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Save the Portage Theater posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share