Thirteen years ago, the Urban Land Institute published a report that laid out the steps to strengthen the Entertainment District in the northern section of the 46th Ward. More information about this study can be found within the Uptown Chicago Commission's website by clicking here. Key recommendations from this study focused on the need to preserve the historic properties in the area, including the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera, and the Uptown Theatre.

Many people have noticed the increased activities at Uptown's three largest theaters.  Under the City's supervision, repair work has been occurring at the Aragon Entertainment Center, Riviera Theatre, and Uptown Theatre. Exterior and interior repairs are scheduled to be completed at the Aragon in September, while tuck pointing and masonry repairs are ongoing at the Riviera. Work at the Uptown continues to protect the building from water intrusion and damage while a long-term redevelopment plan is worked out.

Also related to entertainment, FLATS Chicago purchased the former TCF Bank at 1050 W. Wilson. Closed for the past two years, this building originally started out as a vaudeville theater. Plans include making it into an arts or entertainment venue with a restaurant or bar also using floorspace. More details to follow.

Streetscaping Plans
Major streetscaping is also planned in 2 stages along Broadway from Gunnison to Wilson and Lawrence from Magnolia to Winthrop. A public meeting to obtain your feedback on the streetscaping plan will happen before the end of this year.

While the discussion to create an Entertainment District started decades ago, we're now poised to move forward at a faster pace. Input from residents into the 46th Ward Master Plan has been critical to get us more focused on the needed steps to move forward. To view the 46th Ward Master Plan, click here.