You’ve likely driven past that Tudor-style facade on Main Street a thousand times and wondered if the lights would ever flicker back on. Honestly, for a few years there, it looked pretty grim. The Catlow Theater Barrington Illinois isn’t just some old movie house; it’s basically the soul of downtown. When the doors stayed locked after the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, people started to worry. Was it going to be another "luxury" condo block? Would the gargoyles just crumble into the sidewalk?
Thankfully, no. But the story of its survival is a lot more dramatic than a simple "closed for repairs" sign would suggest.
The Catlow almost vanished. Literally. In October 2022, the building was hours away from being sold for back taxes to an unknown buyer. That’s usually the end of the line for historic theaters. But Brian and Julianne Long, local residents and owners of Long & Co. Jewelers, stepped in at the very last second. They didn't just buy a building; they inherited a massive, dusty, moldy, and incredibly beautiful architectural puzzle.
Why This Place Isn't Your Average Cinema
Most people know it for the movies, but its bones are pure Vaudeville. Built in 1927 by Wright Catlow, it was designed to be a "medieval English hall." If you look up, you’ll see stenciled beams and these weirdly charming gargoyle-like heads staring back at you.
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The real magic, though, is the pedigree. The interior was designed by Alfonso Iannelli. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he worked with Frank Lloyd Wright on the Midway Gardens. Iannelli’s touch is everywhere, from the "Fountain Idyll" sculpture in the lobby (affectionately known as "Fountain Girl") to the ornate proscenium arch that has been hidden behind a massive, permanent movie screen for over 70 years.
The $6 Million Restoration Nightmare (and Dream)
It turns out that keeping a 100-year-old theater from falling down is expensive. Like, really expensive.
The Longs formed the Catlow 1927 Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at raising $6 million to bring the place back to its original glory. As of early 2026, they’ve crossed the $2.2 million mark, and the work is getting intense.
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- The "Hidden" Arch: One of the coolest things happening right now is the reveal of that proscenium arch. For decades, moviegoers just saw a flat screen. The restoration is peeling that back to expose hand-painted molded plaster that hasn't seen the light of day since the "talkies" took over.
- Say Goodbye to the Mold: The old seats? Gone. They were the "third generation" of seating and had become a breeding ground for mildew. New, historically accurate but actually comfortable seats are on the way.
- The Catphone: In a move that's peak Barrington, Brian Long managed to get the theater's original phone number back—(847) 381-0777. They call it the "Catphone." It's those little details that make this feel like a community project rather than a corporate flip.
What’s Happening with Boloney’s?
You can’t talk about the Catlow without mentioning Boloney’s Sandwich Shop. For years, the move was simple: grab a sandwich, walk through the interior door, and eat it while watching a $5 movie. It was the best deal in the suburbs.
When the original owner, Tim O’Connor, sold the theater, Boloney’s was already a memory. But the space is being reimagined. The plan involves a new lounge and bar in the former sandwich shop and dentist office spaces. They’re even putting in a full catering kitchen so local restaurants can host events there.
Interestingly, the spirit of Boloney’s has sort of migrated. If you're craving that nostalgia, Long Story Short Pub (just down the street) has been serving up "Boloney’s East" menu items. It’s not the same as eating a sub in the dark while a gargoyle watches you, but it’s close.
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The 2027 Comeback
The target date is May 2027. That marks the 100th anniversary of the theater's original opening.
When it reopens, it won't just be a movie house. That’s the "actionable insight" for the village: the old business model of $5 second-run movies is dead. To survive, the Catlow Theater Barrington Illinois is becoming a multi-use venue. We're talking:
- Live music and acoustic sets (the acoustics in there are actually incredible).
- Stand-up comedy.
- Weddings and private parties.
- Classic film nights (using a new retractable screen, so the stage is actually usable).
How You Can Actually Help
If you want to see this place open by its centennial, there are real ways to get involved beyond just following their TikTok (which, surprisingly, is run by a team of Barrington High School juniors).
- Visit Catlow East: They’ve set up a storefront at 107 E. Main St. It’s part shop, part museum. You can buy merchandise that actually funds the renovation and see some of the artifacts they’ve salvaged, like vintage posters and autographed photos from Mickey Rooney.
- Tax-Deductible Donations: Since it's a 501(c)(3), any money you throw at the foundation is a write-off. They’re still a few million short of the finish line.
- The Marquee Messages: Keep an eye on the marquee. Even while closed, they’ve been using it for community messages and proposals to keep some revenue flowing.
The Catlow is one of the few things left that makes Barrington feel like Barrington and not just another suburb. It’s a messy, expensive, beautiful project, but the progress made in the last two years suggests that for once, the "good old days" might actually be coming back.
To stay updated on the renovation progress or to contribute to the capital campaign, visit the official Catlow 1927 Foundation website or stop by the Catlow East gallery in downtown Barrington to see the architectural plans and recovered artifacts in person.