An official opening has occurred for the redevelopment of the Ramova Theater at 3518 S Halsted Street in Bridgeport. Located near the intersection with 35th Street, the iconic theater’s interior and exterior have been under construction for nearly two years after new renderings were revealed last year. The $30 million project was led by Baum Revision with a collection of locals and celebrities as well.
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via McHugh Construction
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via McHugh Construction
Originally opened in 1929, the atmospheric theater was built as a sister to the Music Box on the north side with a single theater. It served the community until its closure in 1985, along with its small ground-floor restaurant The Ramova Grill which closed in 2012. Plans for the redevelopment have been in the works for a while, with McHugh Construction executing the plans designed by local firm O’Riley Office.
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via McHugh Construction
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via Chicago Sun Times
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via Chicago Sun Times
Aside from a restored facade with a repaired marquee sign, the ground floor is now home to a re-opened Ramova Grill led by the team behind The Duck Inn. This is complemented by a small taproom run by New York-based Other Half Brewing with a beer garden in the alleyway. These support the Spanish Revival-style auditorium which has become an 1,800-person entertainment venue with restored details and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via Chicago Sun Times
Images inside newly opened Ramova Theater via Chicago Sun Times
A small secondary event space dubbed the Ramova Loft also opened on the second floor of the structure for smaller performances and community gatherings. Expansive greenrooms and offices for artists are in the back with direct access to tour buses for added privacy. The venue opened in December but recently held its first major concert last week with Chance The Rapper, who was involved in the development, marking the end of work.
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My family lived in Bridgeport for over 100 years and the first movie I saw at Ramova was Serpico 1973. I was 7 or 8 years old. It was amazing. It’s so wonderful to see it back up and running. The best of luck to you guys.
It brings back alot of great memories. Boy OH boy. It’s beautiful to see. It makes me feel young again. ❤️.