The historic Portage Theater, a revered independent movie house that is an iconic landmark of the Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood, will see big changes and may close entirely should it be purchased by the Chicago Tabernacle -- and area residents are not amused by the church's plans.

The Underground Multiplex reported that the theater could close should it be purchased by the Irving Park church. Earlier this month, the Tabernacle filed for a special use permit that would allow them to operate the building as a church and remove its marquee among a number of key structural changes.

Ald. John Arena (45th) on Friday issued an alert to fans of the theater that detailed his office's dealings with the Chicago Tabernacle. Arena reports that he was originally approached last fall with the proposal that the theater be converted to a church. After consulting with community groups on the matter, Arena said he issued a letter opposing the change, but "made it clear that we would welcome the congregation to our community" by directing them to other potential locations in the area.

However, the church has reportedly gone forward with their plan, which also includes eliminating more than half the building's apartments and evicting many of the storefront businesses located in it. Interior changes to the theater, Arena continues, "could significantly impact the character of this historic theater."