Kanye West To Invest $1 Million To Restore Legendary Chicago Theater

Kanye West

Kanye West To Invest $1 Million To Restore Legendary Chicago Theater

Kanye West is making good on a promise and continuing his recent charitable streak, and this time his Chicago hometown is set to benefit. It’s being reported that the legendary rapper/producer/designer is set to invest in an iconic Chicago landmark to bring it back to its full glory.

Back in September, Kanye West, along with his wife Kim Kardashian West and Chance The Rapper, visited Chicago’s Avalon Regal Theater just days after West revealed on social media that he planned to “restore the Regal Theater.” Well now, it appears that he is following through with his previous promise, as it’s being reported that West has invested the partial amount of a $1 million commitment, allowing the early stages of the restoration to begin.

The historic 91-year-old theater has been practically vacant for almost a decade, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many Chicago natives, including West, who’s involvement in the restoration has been kept under wraps until now.

Theater owner Jerald Gary revealed that restoration is moving forward in an interview with a local radio station last week, saying:

“Kanye West has committed to investing $1 million into the Regal Theater project and has already invested enough for us to get some of the basic utilities on in the building, such as the electricity. We’re very excited, it’s a long time coming, and we’re happy that someone has stepped up to the plate.”

After West’s initial visit back in September, Gary spoke highly of him and expressed gratitude for his investment:

“I am thrilled to have Kanye’s support as I work to reopen this landmark venue to the community and world. His global impact and influence can bring much needed positive attention to Chicago’s South Shore community.”

Gary has repeatedly attempted to bring on investors throughout the last five years to restore the theater, with no luck until West stepped up. The Avalon Regal Theater opened in 1927 as a movie theater, transitioning later to become a live music venue. In 1987 it was renamed the New Regal Theater in tribute to Bronzeville’s Regal Theater. The Avalon Regal Theater received Chicago Landmark status in 1992.

Additionally, Kanye West fans can expect to see parts of the theater’s restoration on the upcoming 16^th season of his wife’s reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Gary revealed the news of the theater being seen on the show, which premieres on March 31^st.

Are you excited that Kanye West is giving back to his hometown? Have any of you ever visited The Avalon Regal Theater? Let us know in the comments