Historic Ramova Theatre set to reopen after decades-long closure

Almost four decades after its closing, Chicago’s iconic Ramova Theatre is scheduled to reopen this fall, welcoming guests back to its historic location at 3520 S. Halsted St in Bridgeport. The near-century-old theatre, which closed in 1985, has been reimagined as a live music destination with adjacent drinking and dining establishments. The project has garnered backing from big names including Chance the Rapper and Quincy Jones.

The Ramova Theatre first opened in 1929, originally owned by a Lithuanian family and built as a bigger version of Lakeview's Music Box Theater, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Theatre’s revival has been more than a decade in the making, with early efforts to save the space dating back to 2005.

Thanks to a multi-million dollar investment of public and private funds, the theatre has undergone extensive renovations to its main venue area, vintage marquee, and iconic blade sign. The theatre will house a multi-use events space on its second floor in addition to the main venue.

“We’re on a mission to revive this theatre the right way,” Tyler Nevius, Ramova's lead investor, said in a statement to Crain’s. "We’re doing a complete rehabilitation to this pillar in the community, bringing back its historic grill, creating a world-class entertainment space (and) adding a brewery where we hope people will meet their new best friends.”

According to Crain’s, Nevius has teamed up with local architecture firm O’Riley Office to transform the space into a live music venue capable of holding up to 1,500 guests. Thalia Hall venue manager Pete Falknor will reportedly manage venue operations, which will include educational programming, workshops, and musical performances. 

The renovations will also include an attached brewery called the Ramova Brewery, a beer garden, and the revamped Ramova Grill restaurant.

The Ramova Grill previously sat beside the theater and closed in 2012 after 82 years. Local Bridgeport restaurateurs Kevin Hickey and Brandon Phillips will manage the reimagined diner, bringing back its famed Midwest-style chili. According to the Tribune, the updated menu will include vegan chili options, duck fat corn dogs, and specialty tamales.

The Ramova brewery will serve drinks from New York City-based Other Half Brewing, its beer garden providing guests with a comfortable space to unwind before and after shows. 

As renovations continue on the Ramova, those invested in the project have worked to maintain the integrity of the former movie theatre, restoring its Spanish-inspired fixtures to their former glory. 

Much of the Ramova remains under construction as finishing touches are added. The theatre is set to officially reopen at the end of the month for a New Years Eve bash. According to the theatre's site, the party will feature a historic 1920s theme, a live swing band, and DJ sets. Be sure to get your tickets in advance before they sell out!