‘The community wants this place open’: Catlow owner donates theater to foundation

Barrington’s Catlow Theatre has seen many changes since the Long family purchased the iconic movie house.

Now, in addition to the dramatic cosmetic changes that are transforming the Catlow, the theater is seeing a change in ownership.

The Long family is donating the theater to the Catlow 1927 Foundation, which will handle the theater’s management and programming. All proceeds from performances, events, movie showings, and private rentals will support operations, according to the foundation’s website, catlow1927.org.

Barrington businessman and property owner Brian Long, the foundation’s president, made the announcement Tuesday during a tour of the nearly century-old theater, which followed a reception at Barrington’s White House.

Long said the foundation will operate the theater on a business basis, believing it will survive for generations to come. The foundation keeps about five years of operating expenses in reserve, he said.

He said it was always the master plan to have the theater foundation owned and operated. Now that the fundraising effort has raised half its $6 million goal, the family is comfortable the foundation can stand on its own.

Brian and Julianne Long purchased the theater for just under $500,000 in 2022.

Much of the work on the exterior is complete and a look inside reveals the potential.

When you enter the theater, you are literally stepping into history — the lobby has the original terra cotta floors from 1927.

The lobby also contains the cases designed and built by sculptor, artist and industrial designer Alfonso Iannelli.

The former Boloney’s space will function as an Art Deco bar and lounge and reception area and contain a catering kitchen.

Iannelli’s iconic Fountain Girl statue stands in the foyer.

A lot of touch-up remains, he said. The theater will enter phase three of the roofing project this fall. When that is complete, he said, the roof should be watertight.

Work will then continue on the inside.

“After raising $3 million, we believe we have the community support to finish the project,” Brian Long said.

For two years in a row, the theater has received grants from the Barrington Area Community Foundation.

“The community wants this place open,” he said.

szalusky@dailyherald.com