WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Facing a long list of code violations in Cook County Circuit Court Thursday, venue owner Eddie Carranza was once again given the "all’s clear" to stay open.

Controversial venue owner Erineo “Eddie” Carranza may indeed want the historic theater restored to its prime. But as is made clear in the city Building Department’s ongoing legal proceedings against him, which cite a daunting list of 37 violations, he’s got a long way to go to get there.

PNC Bank is taking Eddie Carranza to court over a loan and moving to foreclose on the theater. 

Eddie Carranza, owner of the embattled Congress Theater in Logan Square, has purchased the Portage Theater. But what does he want to do with it?

On Thursday, Alderman John Arena announced that the Landmark Commission had voted unanimously to allow preliminary landmark status to the Portage Theater. This was a blow for the Chicago Tabernacle, an Albany Park ministry that had plans to turn the Theater into a church.

The city will ask to grant preliminary landmark status to the Portage Theater--a decision that could complicate a controversial plan to purchase and alter the 92-year-old, North Side movie house.