For almost 30 years, one of the largest buildings in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood has been a ghost, a vacant hint of its former self.   The Uptown Theater looms over the intersection of Lawrence and Broadway, empty, waiting.

A few years ago, an excellent video was made about the Uptown (about 25 minutes long - worth watching).  It's both captivating and heartbreaking. 

Over the last several years, there have been slight changes to the facade.  As mortar has failed, terra cotta pieces have been taken down and put into storage, to prevent them from falling, which could destroy them and injure someone.  Those areas have been covered up to protect them against weather damage. 

Vandals sometimes get onto the roof, making huge graffiti tags that are visible from the El. The graffiti is removed, but there's always more.  I've often wished that the peregrine falcons who nest there would drive off the taggers, but my wish goes unanswered.

The biggest obstacle to getting the Uptown restored and operating again is finding funding for repairs.  Just bringing it back to the point where it's protected from further water damage, safe for use, and reasonably presentable will cost millions. Finding a financially viable use for such a huge theater has been part of the challenge.  Live concerts appear to be the most viable use.  Concert promoter Jam Productions bought the place in 2008, but so far they haven't gotten beyond protecting the building from weather damage.

Many in Chicago, including Mayor Emanuel, share a dream for the Uptown neighborhood - bringing it back as a major destination for live music.  The Green Mill, Riviera and Aragon bring in thousands of music fans every year, and many of them have dinner or drinks nearby before or after a show.  A restored Uptown Theater would be the crown jewel in the revival of an area that was one of Chicago's hottest entertainment destinations in the 1920s.  The current city budget crisis is a roadblock to that dream.

I dream of going into the Uptown for concerts, instead of just passing by.  Every time I see the Uptown from the train, I hope that the building can survive another month, another year, until funding can be found to complete enough restoration work to secure its future.