Chicago Recommended Grant for Avalon Regal Theater
The 99-year-old landmark will receive $249,500 to fund critical masonry and structural restoration.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cultural
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The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has recommended a $249,500 grant for the restoration of the historic Avalon Regal Theater. This funding is part of a larger $666,400 package designated for three city preservation projects.
Why it matters
The grant provides essential financial support for masonry repairs and tower stabilization for the 99-year-old venue. These efforts aim to preserve the architectural integrity of the landmark after the theater sat closed for 16 years.
The Avalon Regal Theater received a grant recommendation of $249,500, while the city's Adopt-A-Landmark Fund has allocated a total of $14 million to preservation projects since 2016.
The players
Avalon Regal Theater
This historic 2,200-seat theater located at 1645 E. 79th St. is a landmark venue that has been closed for 16 years.
Jerald Gary
He is the owner of the Avalon Regal Theater who purchased the historic building in 2014.
Chicago Department of Planning and Development
This city agency oversees urban development, zoning, and historic preservation initiatives, including the Adopt-A-Landmark Fund.
Stone Temple Baptist Church
This local historic religious institution was named as one of the three recipients of the city's recent grant recommendations.
Monumental Baptist Church
This historic religious site is among the three projects selected by the city to receive preservation funding.
The details
Owner Jerald Gary purchased the property in 2014 for $100,000, and current plans require Community Capital to submit updated drawings and project specifications within two years. Restoration work will focus on selective removal and resetting of displaced masonry to prepare for an expected auditorium opening in 2027.
Timeline
The theater building was originally constructed in 1927.
The site was purchased by owner Jerald Gary in 2014.
Landmarks Illinois awarded a preservation grant in January 2016.
The city announced the current grant recommendation in October 2026.
Full venue activation is expected to occur in 2028.
Industry Dynamics
The city's grant recommendation follows the funding pattern established by the Adopt-A-Landmark Fund to protect deteriorating historic sites. This initiative reflects a broader municipal shift toward leveraging public funds to stabilize legacy architectural landmarks in neighborhoods.
The theater is currently slated to reopen its auditorium in 2027, followed by full venue activation by 2028. Residents can look forward to the return of this historic 2,200-seat space for community events and performances.
The takeaway
The city's commitment to the Avalon Regal Theater marks a major step in revitalizing a long-dormant community landmark. Readers interested in historic preservation can track future milestones for the theater as it prepares for its planned 2027 partial reopening.
What happens next
Community Capital must submit updated project specifications and drawings to the city for review within two years of the announcement.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in our Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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