What would you like to see around the Regal Theater?

Photo via Vertin Valuation Services

In light of the potential purchase of the Regal Theater located at 1641 E. 79th Street, I've been wanting to do a post about what would you like to see around that venue. The Regal has been compared to the long shuttered Uptown Theater which recently has been getting more attention. The main comparison is cost in the long run perhaps it costs much less to get the Regal up to speed than it is the Uptown.

Let's also keep in mind that in addition to the Uptown Theater there are other venues nearby such as the Rivera Theater and the Aragon Ballroom all located not far from the intersection of Lawrence/Sheridan. That area is getting more attention recently because there are plans to create something of an entertainment district in that area. Perhaps that same potential could be found near 79th/South Chicago.

DNA Info mentioned that a soul food restaurant could be coming across from the Regal at a site located at
1638 E. 79th St. which used to be home to a Leon's BBQ joint which is long gone. Of course this of concern to another restaurant who used to get sales from the Regal Theater crowd but has lost some business because of it's closure in 2003.

Now the question becomes other than restaurants what other businesses would benefit from the hopefully eventual reopening of the Regal Theater?