Built in 1925, the Uptown Theatre has been a staple in the community despite closing its doors more than 30 years ago. The historic theater has sat unused, and now preservationists are making a big push to reopen the music and entertainment venue.

Curbed Chicago reports the groups Friends of the Uptown and Preservation Chicago released a petition earlier this month to urge Mayor Rahm Emanuel, owner Jerry Mickleson, and Department of Planning and Development Commissioner David Reifman to commit to restoring and reopening the theater on North Broadway Avenue in Uptown.

As of July 11, the petition had more than 2,150 supporters.

The space officially closed to the public in 1981 and was used prior to that as a movie theater and concert venue hosting artists like Prince, Duke Ellington, and Bob Marley & The Wailers. The building was purchased by Jam Productions in 2008. Jam Productions manages concerts at the Riviera Theater, The Vic, and Park West.

In May 2014, a state appropriation worth $10 million was reserved for the theater but state budget issues created a stand-still.

As reported by Curbed in 2015, the $10 million set aside for the theater was put on hold after Governor Bruce Rauner took office. The bill for the funds was originally pushed through the legislature by Senator James Cullerton. At the time, renovations of the historic space were estimated at $70 million in total.