When Ken Gaebler toured a vacant church at 3679 W. Grand Ave. in Humboldt Park last fall, he saw more than brick and stone. The one‑story building, once the Youth Center Church of God in Christ, also housed the Lawndale Theatre and later the Rex Theatre, a vaudeville house that entertained Chicagoans over a century ago.
From Church to Cinema
After selling his two‑decade‑old marketing firm, Gaebler founded the nonprofit Chicago Helpers and set his sights on turning the historic structure into a neighborhood theater and resource hub. He officially purchased the property in February 2025 and immediately began renovations.
Gaebler named the new venue La Reina – Spanish for “the queen” – a nod to the building’s 1940s‑era name, Rex (Latin for “king”). He explained that the name also reflects the local “No Kings” movement that opposes President Trump’s policies, while signaling a welcoming, queer‑friendly atmosphere.
Programming and Community Use
La Reina will seat 55 to 60 patrons and will showcase independent films, art movies, Spanish‑language titles and occasional new releases. The theater will be equipped for both digital projection and analog film, allowing classic movies to be shown on original reels.
Tickets and concessions will cover operating costs, but Gaebler plans discounts for residents and incentives for volunteers. Weekends will be reserved for screenings; weekdays will open the space for workshops, training sessions, open‑mic nights, and other community events, creating a true “third space” where neighbors can gather beyond home and work.
City Support and Funding
In September, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development awarded Gaebler a $250,000 grant from the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. The fund channels bonus payments from developers seeking extra floor area in downtown projects to improve commercial corridors on the South, West and Southwest sides of the city.
Ward 36 Alderman Gilbert Villegas praised the project, noting that Grand Avenue has long been a vital commercial artery and that new businesses and cultural venues will strengthen the local economy and give residents more places to shop, dine and gather close to home.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund administrator Joshua Son said the application was bolstered by letters of support from Humboldt Park residents who wanted a walkable movie theater that reflects the area’s Latino culture. He called the proposal “exactly what we’re looking to fund” and “really cool.”
Addressing Gentrification Concerns
Humboldt Park has seen rising worries about gentrification and market‑rate housing. Gaebler describes himself as “definitely an anti‑gentrifier,” emphasizing that the theater will be built “with” the community, not “for” it. He intends to keep programming affordable and to involve neighbors in decision‑making.
Chicago Helpers, the nonprofit behind the project, will also help residents navigate city services—whether dealing with high energy bills, landlord disputes or other everyday challenges—by offering informal assistance on site.
Looking Ahead
Gaebler’s vision extends beyond movies. He hopes to incorporate local artists and designers in the theater’s branding, host Spanish‑language events, and eventually add live music with a piano or organ. The success of La Reina, he says, will be measured by how many nearby residents use and shape the space.
With city funding secured and community input already flowing, the historic Grand Avenue building is poised to become a vibrant, faith‑rooted gathering place that honors its past while serving the needs of today’s Humboldt Park families.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
