Quincy Jones, Jennifer Hudson, and Chance the Rapper became co-owners of Historic Chicago Theater.
In Brief
• Quincy Jones, Jennifer Hudson, and Chance the Rapper have become co-owners of the historic Ramova Theatre in Chicago.
• Tyler Nevius purchased the theater for $1 in 2017, and it is now set for a revival.
• All three owners are from Chicago and share a deep connection to their roots.
• Originally opened in 1929, the theater was saved from demolition and earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
• Upon renovation, the Ramova will feature a 1,500-seat live music venue, beer garden, and grill.
• The venture highlights Chicago’s cultural heritage and celebrates talented artists.
Iconic music producer Quincy Jones and entertainers Jennifer Hudson and Chance the Rapper have joined forces to become co-owners of the historic Ramova Theatre in Chicago. After being closed for nearly forty years, the theater is set for a revival.
The ownership announcement was made on Wednesday, marking an exciting new chapter for the Ramova. Developer and co-owner Tyler Nevius purchased the theater for just $1 in 2017, which holds immense historical significance.
Being Chicago natives, Jones, Hudson, and Chance the Rapper are deeply connected to their roots. Hudson expressed her passion for the project: “Supporting the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine.”
Chance the Rapper, or Chancelor Bennett, has a strong personal tie to the city. He explained, “Chicago will always be a part of who I am. I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer.”
Originally opened in 1929, the Ramova was a beloved single-screen movie palace. Despite shutting down in 1985, it was saved from demolition and earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
With plans to renovate the theater, a grand reopening is on the horizon. The newly transformed Ramova will feature a 1,500-seat live music venue and a beer garden and grill. The specific opening date has yet to be announced.
Partnering with New York-based Other Half Brewing, the venture aims to highlight Chicago’s cultural heritage and celebrate the country’s most talented artists. Quincy Jones shared his vision: “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter, inspiring future generations and bringing glory to America’s Second City.”