Arcada Theater

The history of the Arcada Theatre can be found at:http://www.classiccinemas.com/history_arcada.htm

The new website for the Arcada is at:
http://www.arcadatheatre.com

The "Firm" was W.P. Nelson of Chicago.
They were hired by Lester Norris in 1925
to build the Arcada.
LDH

The Arcada theater even as recently as the 1980s still had an organist on Friday nights. Don't know if they still do, but as a kid this was the coolest connection to theater past. I do remember seeing some first run movies there, perhaps even the movie version Annie.

Can't believe that this restored theatre with organ will now become retail office space. I plan to write the folks at this theatre before day's end (Jan. 31) and try to knock some sense into them so I sure hope others will, too!

Member "stevepatrick" is interested in helping save this theatre and his recent post is under Theatre News (Arcada) if anyone is interested in contacting him!

stevepatrick: The following is a recent email that I rec'd from someone named Matt at the Arcada Theatre and it is definitely for YOUR EYES!

Hello Patsy, I see your interested in the Arcada Theater. The current people that ran the theater do not own the building and rent it. They can no longer afford the huge rent payments to the landlord and is not there choice what happens to the theater now. Todd Smith was the person running the theater and wish he could keep it going. I have rented out the theater twice last year to do a silent film show and the turn out was slim, around 100 people. We couldn't understand why we couldn't get more people out and personally I lost much money putting on the show. I love this theater and hate to see it go. The building owner I heard lives out of state I hear and that is who you should contact. I could put you in touch with Todd Smith if you wish to talk to him and don't put the blame on him. Regards, Matt

The email address to contact Matt and eventually Todd is as follows: Tubamen29@cs.com

Interesting to read that the building owner lives out of state so may not be as 'involved' as St. Charles residents. Good luck and keep us updated!

Hello Stevepatrick & Patsy, Just to clearify I am not a staff member of the Arcada Theatre. I just happened to put on a silent movie show there.I only know what I've heard from Todd Smith who rented the theatre space. Glad to hear someone is interested in saving the theater and hope someone can convince the building owner the importance the theatre plays to the downtown section of St. Charles and not destroying the interior like others did to the Hinsdale Theater in IL. It's would be sad to see another cinema treasure gone in the Illinois area. Regards, Matt

Silent Matt,
Thanks for the information. I have written to Todd twice and have yet to recieve any response. It's unfortunate but I can understand if things got lost in the shuffle during the closing weekend and all.
Would you be willing to share any more information with me about your experiences when you rented the space? Is it possible to go to our personal email addresses if need be for this information?
Anyway, thanks for any information you choose to pass along my way.
Steve

Stevepatrick, I'll be willing to share some more information with you through my email address that patsy posted in her last email. Please put Arcada Theater in the heading of your email. Regards ,Matt

Steve: I don't know if you have ever visited another cinema site that features some theatres in Maine that might be of interest to you and close to your location in the State. The website address is as follows:

http://www.steppinoutmaine.com/archives/2003/mar_26/feature1.html

The other cinema site that has equally broadened my cinema research and love of old theatres by State is as follows:
http://www.historictheatres.org/

Patsy,
Thanks for the info about the Maine theatres. I've pretty much exhausted my search for an available permanent venue up here.
I'm leaning more towards somewhere in Ohio or Chicago or the Chicago burbs. We'll know more in a couple weeks. But thanks for the info all the same.
Steve

This article appeared in the Sunday Daily Herald about the Arcada.

Bryan,
Thanks for posting that Daily Herald article. Does anyone out there know how I can contact Scott Price the owner of The Arcada? It is my understanding that he lives in Seattle. I found one email address of a Scott Price in Seattle, wrote to him, and that gentleman was kind enough to reply to me, and said he wasn't the Scott Price I was looking for. I also found one phone number of a Scott Price in Seattle. Called it a number of days ago and left a message. So far no response from that attempt. I have emailed Todd Smith, the former Arcada manager a number of times, but no response, and I have called him as well, still no response to my phone message I left for him. I am very interested in tryng to save this theater but it is quite difficult to get much cooperation.

I did have a positive communication last week with the President of the St. Charles Downtown Partnership, and plan to meet with him during my visit to Chicago next week. But I would certainly like the opportunity to speak with Scott Price before that visit.

So, anyone got any ideas that could help me? I just want to talk to this Scott Price gentleman and find out what he wants for monthly rent.

Thanks to any and all who choose to help me with this project.
Best Regards,
Steve

Steve: Sure sounds like you are working hard on your St. Charles theatre inquiry, but sorry to read that you aren't getting any follow-up cooperation so will keep my fingers crossed in this worthwhile effort! At least you did have a positive theatre conversation with the Pres. of the St Charles Downtown Partnership which is a BIG step in the RIGHT direction. Keep pushing forward as all of us on CT are behind you to help with this 'push'!

Thanks Patsy. I'll keep you posted on my progress, if I experience any.
Steve

Steve: After reading about that theatre in Mishawaka, Indiana that made contact with that wrecking ball I'm more than hopeful that you can help with this theatre in St. Charles! That Illinois town has so much to offer and should continue to have a downtown theatre and that's all I have to say about that, for now!

Steve: Interesting to note that the Arcada Theatre is owned by someone in Seattle WA! Can't believe that this Todd Smith has not responded, but hopefully he will as will Scott Price!

Steve, have you tried contacting the office of the Mayor of St. Charles? From what I've read, the city is supportive of the Arcada remaining a theatrical/cinematic venue, but is not prepared to offer any financial aid at this time, but they might be able to provide contact information there.

Bryan: Great idea and I'm sure Steve will appreciate this valuable information!

Bryan,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go that route next.
Steve

Steve: Never underestimate the power of this CT site and the members who are here to help with one's worthwhile theatre project!

St. Charles is definitely a destination city here in IL. If you check out the web, you will find much information on it. I went to a show at the Arcada last year that was a "tribute" band show and the theatre was absolutely packed to the rafters. I wish the Arcada would have put on more of these youth oriented tribute band shows at least to pay their bills...

The teens turned out in droves to hear the band simply because these bands usually play in bars - where they cannot go because they are underaged. I know it would have been nice when I was a teen to have the opportunity to see a rock band somewhere locally.

Unfortunately, the pressure is on the Arcada because St. Charles has a lot of "local" entertainment experiences competing. We have the "Norris cultural arts" center which puts on large scale shows and music concerts. We have "pheasant run" which puts on plays and dinner theatre experiences. Those are the two biggies I can think of. We also currently have a defunct and for sale "box" theatre which was classic cinemas before they decided to multiplex as part of the St. Charlestowne mall.

I am wondering about the feasibility of showing "foreign" and alternative movies at the Arcada. Not the big blockbusters - but shows like the recent "Sideways" that is garnering much attention yet around here cannot be found in theatres except for one way in Barrington... And perhaps do a film festival type of thing. One weekend of anime, a 70s film fest, etc... It works in the cities. Don't know if it would fly in the burbs though. But I am aware that the Hinsdale theatre tried the foreign and alternative film route with no success. The Hinsdale are now defunct also - this is so sad that they could not give it a go - in a town with that much $$$$$$$... so sad they couldn't save it.

Good luck all! BTW - the St. Charles mayor is named Sue Klinkhamer for the record. If anyone wishes to contact her.

Klimkm,

I like your film festival ideas, and those are just a few of many ideas I've been hoping to include in my plans, if I could just find someone there to point me to this Scott Price in Seattle, the owner of the Arcada.

If you read my previous posting you'll see my numerous attempts at getting the ball rolling on this, including writing to the mayor, but so far, still no response.

So if others would be willing to get on the horn and call or write to these folks as well, even if it's just asking them when they plan on responding to me, that might help light a little fire under their butt with regards to saving this theater.

Thanks again to anyone willing to help!

Steven P. Burnette...aka stevepatrick

Has an email/regular mail address been posted for the Mayor of St. Charles, Sue Klinkhamer?

Klimkm,

I just realized, some of my postings I'm referring to in my above note are postings that actually appear on the other page on this site, I guess it's the latest news page, dated January 31, under the headline NO MORE MOVIES AT ST. CHARLES ARCADA...posted by Bryan Krefft.

I will try and make some phone calls tomorrow if I have time. If I find anything out, I will post here. Thanks for everything. I believe that the St. Charles downtown partnership is currently working with the League of historic american theatres group. The Tivoli in Downers Grove is also a member of this - the Tivoli is run by classic Cinemas - the previous owner of the Arcada.
I know that certain members of the St. Charles downtown partnership have an eye to return it to a live theatre venue. Could work - maybe not... it just needs the right type of "popular" entertainment I would think.
Think - "youth and family" market... I think that the Arcada had a decent turnout for their steel drum thing.
Moving in from the city twelve years ago - we were pleased to see that there was a "movie palace" in our backyard. We are long-time patrons and would hate to have it meet the fate of the Geneva theatre and become offices (or whatever it became). We would love somewhere close to here to host a "film festival" type of thing - even if it is once a year or so. And I would think that "anime" would go over huge with the teens here - I know a lot of 16-21 year olds are into it around here - big time.
Regarding the e-mail of sue Klinkhamer - I don't know if I could post it. I tried to post a link but my post was pulled because you are not allowed to post a link to anywhere. I don't know about an e-mail. St. Charles, Illinois does have a website however. Google it - if interested.

The following post/website address was cut and pasted from the Indiana Theatre #2996 page and if someone wants to contact George Rothacker to perhaps paint the St. Charles as a fundraiser this is where you'd find him thanks to CT member, "TC". His work is colorful and very well done!

"You can buy a print of the theater at this link:
http://www.georgerothacker.com/ga1.detail.10.html
posted by TC on Feb 10, 2005 at 2:28pm"

I just contacted Mr. Rothacker via email so he is well aware or soon will be of his name being posted here! If I hear from him, I'll post his reply here.

klimkm,

Thanks for the response. I thought the same as far as posting the email address of the Mayor. I have indeed written to her, Monday as a matter of fact. Still no response. I see St. Charles has also canned this year's St. Patrick's Day parade, and the Pepsi Half-Marathon. What's going on? And how ironic...I've been in the theater biz for years, our family is primarily of Irish lineage, and I'm a marathon runner. Can St. Charles be more of a fit for me or what?

As far as I knew, "anime" refers to some resins taken from trees, that you use to make varnish. But something tells me that's not what you meant. I'm guessing something with animation?

If anyone could help me get the name(s) of the writer(s) from the local newspaper(s) that have written on this Arcada subject, then maybe I could get the Arcada's owner Scott Price's contact info from them.

So far in my research the most recent newspaper article doesn't post a name on the story. Just Staff Reports or something like that.

Steve

Most cities give an email address, etc. for their Mayor on a city website so I would think that information for the St. Charles Mayor would be on it!

I just checked the Pheasant Run website and they do have a theatre in which you can take a virtual tour. I suppose this theatre venue is in competition with the Arcada, but in a city that size there is room for everyone. And the Arcada has what is called 'charm' which I don't think the Pheasant Run theatre will ever have although it is very nice. If interested, the website is www.pheasantrun.com

Eric Schelkopf at the Kane County Chronicle is a place to start. The editor could also give you the contact who is assigned to Arcada news. It is a fine publication and they are always looking for a possible "scoop".
In my experience, Kane County tends to the cautious side in regards to any development. They move slowly...
BTW - anime is Japanese animation. Very hot these days.... I personally don't care for it. But young kids sure do.
Just a warning though - it kind of sounds like the SC downtown partnership is committed to championing the Arcada as a live venue. Whether it will fly or not is another story - there is lots of competition in the area for that sort of entertainment.
It sounds like they do not want it operating as a movie theatre at all. Which is too bad... The sound system and screen were very nice. What a waste.... Good luck!

I feel that with the Pheasant Run live entertainment venue there should be a movie theatre venue in the town, but just my humble opinion!

klimkm,

Thanks for the info on Eric at the Kane County Chronicle. I sent an email to him this morning.

All I want to do is get a shot at speaking with, or writing to this Scott Price. It shouldn't be so difficult to find this person.

I also appreciate your opinions about the SC Partnership. I get the same sense as you about their desires, otherwise they would have given me Scott's contact info. I'm hoping to use the Arcada as a combined cinema and live entertainment venue. But if the Parntership can take care of it and would rather not include others, then fine.

I must say though, Mr. Richards was very positive in the email response he did send to me. I just think Scott Price needs to know that someone else is also interested in speaking with him before he agrees to whatever is being proposed, because it could come back to bite someone months from now, and the theatre could be right back in this same position, and in the mean time, those of us who were willing to help may have moved on to some other community that was a little more willing to include outsiders.

Steve

Steve: "....those of us who were willing to help may have moved on to some other community that was a little more willing to include outsiders." Well spoken so maybe this will make St. Charles sit up and pay attention to us outsiders! I probably wouldn't have a personal connection to this story if it weren't for the fact that my husband is involved each and every June at Pheasant Run organizing the huge Corvette show there and we're not even residents!!

After posting just now I see the new format and am not quite sure if I like it. What do others think as I'd be curious to know?

Now it's back to the regular format so don't know what happened, but didn't like it so all is okay again! Thank goodness!

I don't know what the deal is with having a problem getting the contact # of Scott Price. Super - Secret - Special info I guess. There is considerable rental holdings in the upper floors which brings in lots of $ I am sure. A temp agency, a dance studio, a photgrapher, a tax person, etc. etc.

If you have problems after all these contactings - you are encountering politics my man. That is what happens with a lot of theatre closings I think. Towns get an agenda and that is it... it gets pushed through - right or wrong. The good thing is that I know the downtown partnership has members who want it to preserve it which is nice.

If you are serious about running / purchasing a movie theatre though - there are several in the Chicago burbs area that are having problems at this very moment. Number one on my list is the Dupage theatre in Lombard (great location near a train station!) and the Grand Wheaton (wheaton grand?) in Wheaton, IL. Possibly the LaGrange, in LaGrange. Don't know the status of that lately though. I know the Egyptian in Dekalb always is having funding problems, but is is run by a non-profit org. That one is Way cool - one of six egyptian ones left in the country. It doesn't sound like it would ever be for sale...it is on the national register of historic sites or something. They are all on the listed here on the website.

BTW - I am technically an "outsider" too. I live in St. Charles township.

Good luck!

Tom Schlueter is another contact journalist at the Kane County Chronicle BTW.

klimkm,
Thanks!
Steve

"Towns get an agenda and that is it... it gets pushed through - right or wrong." I believe this is exactly what happened to my hometown theatre and so now it's just a faded 'picture' memory! So many times politics are involved and nobody is thinking clearly because they have 'an agenda' and it gets ram-rodded through!

Steve: This a.m. I rec'd a personal email from Todd Smith so please email me @ wrlenzo@aol.com so I can forward it to you! Thanks.

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Take your significant other to a movie today! Suggestion: Shall We Dance with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez

I just received a correspondence from the head of the Downtown St. Charles partnership that basically states:
Thanks for your interest in helping keep the Arcada Theater as a viable, long-term venue for the performing arts. In truth, there are many people working behind the scenes to develop a not-for-profit of some sort to own / manage the facility. At this point, we don't know exactly what direction it will take; however, the theater remains open for rentals for special events (dance recitals, live concerts, etc.).

At least it is not BAD news....Just though I would drop an update for those interested.....

klimkm: Thanks so this GOOD news in regards to 'our' Arcada Theatre!

Most recent news - I didn't know whether I should post this under "news" or here...

But here is an article from the Kane County Chronicle by Roald Haase business editor - regarding ongoing Arcada plans:

Interest spurs hope of reopening.

It's been only three weeks since we learned the historic Arcada Theatre was going to go dark — at least for now.

Yet in just that short span, news about the 79-year-old St. Charles venue appears to have spurred renewed interest in various quarters about reopening the building's theater as a performing arts center.

When theater operator Todd Smith decided to give up his efforts to present live entertain-ment and movies at the theater, it was a grim day indeed. After all, the theater has been a central fact of Fox Valley life since the mid-1920s.

And Smith's drive to keep it open had been Herculean, despite the fact that its best days as a film theater seemed behind it.

But as I learned Thursday, the news of the Arcada's shuttering did not go unnoticed.

David Richards, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership Inc. — a downtown promotions group — told me the articles about Smith and his struggle to keep the Arcada open struck a chord with the public.

To date, Richards said, there have been three expressions of interest from parties who might want to lease the theater portion of the building. In addition, there have been contacts with two people who have suggested they might want to buy it.

Richards' group does not own the historic building situated at Main Street and First Avenue. But the Partnership is acting as a stand-in for owner Scott Price, who lives in Bellevue, Wash. Partnership officials show off the building to whoever expresses interest.

"We are working very closely with the owner, because he is in Washington state," Richards said.

Richards said it is too early in the process to say if any of the expressions of interest will bear fruit. But he appeared hopeful. He dismissed any idea that the Arcada once more will flourish as a movie theater, however.

"In talking with other people in the community with regard to the movie theater, the vast majority see they can't make it as just a movie house," Richards said.

The Partnership's role is simply to pass along the information about prospective buyers to the owner, Richards said.

He was asked, too, about his suggestion that a nonprofit foundation take it over.

"That (the foundation idea) is still in the exploration stage," Richards said.

One preference the Downtown Partnership has for the theater is that it be operated and owned by someone in the area, Richards said. It makes it easier to coordinate the Partnership's volunteer marketing efforts and those of the owner.

In this, Richards left no doubt that he is interested in more than simply finding someone to lease the 900-plus seat theater. In addition to locating someone who wants the theater for plays, music events and other live entertainment, Richards said he wants there to be a long-term entity to assure the building's architectural integrity.

It's not certain a foundation will be that entity, Richards said. A lot of study has to be done to make the right decision, he said. Whatever is done, interior improvements to the theater and arcade areas have to be made.

"To be able to save this jewel will have to take a community-wide effort," Richards said. "We will have to bring it up to today's standards."

Hope this helps...

Most recent news - I didn't know whether I should post this under "news" or here...

But here is an article from the Kane County Chronicle by Roald Haase business editor - regarding ongoing Arcada plans:

Interest spurs hope of reopening.

It's been only three weeks since we learned the historic Arcada Theatre was going to go dark — at least for now.

Yet in just that short span, news about the 79-year-old St. Charles venue appears to have spurred renewed interest in various quarters about reopening the building's theater as a performing arts center.

When theater operator Todd Smith decided to give up his efforts to present live entertain-ment and movies at the theater, it was a grim day indeed. After all, the theater has been a central fact of Fox Valley life since the mid-1920s.

And Smith's drive to keep it open had been Herculean, despite the fact that its best days as a film theater seemed behind it.

But as I learned Thursday, the news of the Arcada's shuttering did not go unnoticed.

David Richards, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership Inc. — a downtown promotions group — told me the articles about Smith and his struggle to keep the Arcada open struck a chord with the public.

To date, Richards said, there have been three expressions of interest from parties who might want to lease the theater portion of the building. In addition, there have been contacts with two people who have suggested they might want to buy it.

Richards' group does not own the historic building situated at Main Street and First Avenue. But the Partnership is acting as a stand-in for owner Scott Price, who lives in Bellevue, Wash. Partnership officials show off the building to whoever expresses interest.

"We are working very closely with the owner, because he is in Washington state," Richards said.

Richards said it is too early in the process to say if any of the expressions of interest will bear fruit. But he appeared hopeful. He dismissed any idea that the Arcada once more will flourish as a movie theater, however.

"In talking with other people in the community with regard to the movie theater, the vast majority see they can't make it as just a movie house," Richards said.

The Partnership's role is simply to pass along the information about prospective buyers to the owner, Richards said.

He was asked, too, about his suggestion that a nonprofit foundation take it over.

"That (the foundation idea) is still in the exploration stage," Richards said.

One preference the Downtown Partnership has for the theater is that it be operated and owned by someone in the area, Richards said. It makes it easier to coordinate the Partnership's volunteer marketing efforts and those of the owner.

In this, Richards left no doubt that he is interested in more than simply finding someone to lease the 900-plus seat theater. In addition to locating someone who wants the theater for plays, music events and other live entertainment, Richards said he wants there to be a long-term entity to assure the building's architectural integrity.

It's not certain a foundation will be that entity, Richards said. A lot of study has to be done to make the right decision, he said. Whatever is done, interior improvements to the theater and arcade areas have to be made.

"To be able to save this jewel will have to take a community-wide effort," Richards said. "We will have to bring it up to today's standards."

Hope this helps...

klimkm: It sure does help and does put a big smile on my face this a.m. so you have "made my day". And in regards to another theatre called the Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana...even though it was recently demolished the signature window WAS SAVED according to a recent email from a Suan Baxter so she "made my day" today also!

Sorry the name is Susan Baxter.

My husband and I just had our wedding ceremony on the Arcada's stage on 10/30/04... I was shocked and saddened to hear that it has closed. I live in Chicago and we don't get much suburban news, and a lot of the stories from the papers that covered it aren't archived. If anyone has any more recent information, or would like any volunteer help to keep it from being turned into a Subway, please e-mail me at filmgrrl@juno.com By the way, Todd Smith was wonderful to deal with; he really loved that theatre and did everything he could to keep it going.

filmgrrl: Congratulations and I'm sure your memories of an Arcada wedding ceremony will remain with you always. I'm always quite sure that someone with more knowledge than I will answer your Arcada questions though I have been following the Arcada saga for several weeks.

Here is a bit of good news regarding the Arcada from today's Daily Herald. It appears it is under new management and will eventually be used for concerts and plays after the remaining bookings from the outgoing management have ended.

Yes good news indeed!

Here is another article on the Arcada from today's Daily Herald regarding its future.

Bryan: Thanks for this recent article. A family member will be in St. Charles the end of this month so I'm hoping that he will have a chance to see the Arcada Theatre, in person!

In my research the Norris Theatre is mentioned as being in St. Charles at one time, but I don't find it listed on CT so perhaps someone can add this one.

Taken from Bryan's posted article: "Pheasant Run Resort recently unveiled its remodeled and expanded theater; work on a $6 million expansion project has started on the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora; the Norris Theatre in St. Charles continues its comeback after being shut down with mold infestation three years ago; the Hemmens Auditorium in downtown Elgin and the Elgin Community College auditorium and theaters remain popular venues."

Patsy, the Norris Cultural Arts Center/Norris Theatre wasn't a movie house; it was built for peforming arts.

Bryan: Thanks for that theatre correction.

The outfit that has taken over the management of the Arcada operations is Onesti entertainment. I have checked out their website and they look OK - only time will tell. I hope that they can make a go of it. There is lots of competition in the fox valley area for theatre patrons.

There was a public meeting last Friday - sounds like an open forum type of thing that Onesti hosted. Which is a good sign, that means they are looking for input anyway. I was unable to make.

I would hope that they can bring at least some "family centric" entertainment to the Arcada. There are lots of new homes out this way now and people who are looking for entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. Maybe a "variety" type of show. Pheasant run has more "adult" themed plays. Norris is more cultural entertainment. The other larger venues like the Hemmens and the Paramount in aurora have concerts. Kind of like the shows they put on at the Rosemont theatre for kids "blues clues" "sesame street", etc. Something that kids would really like. These people out here will spend money on entertaining their kids.

It is way too nice of a venue to have been closed forever. And in a primo location too. Wish the Arcada luck!

Here is an article from this past Saturday's Daily Herald (6/11/05)about the new ownership of the Arcada.

I hope that "Concerned Taxpayer" doesn't discover this theatre! He'll fight to have this one demolished too! (Look at the postings for the Dupage Theatre and you'll find out what I'm talking about!).

I hope that the Arcada can be successful. It blends in beautifully with its surroundings.

Who is "Concerned Taxpayer"?

Check out today's "The lights are back on at the Arcada" article in the Kane county chronicle. Finally they have re-opened and are doing live entertainment. And the first show looks like it was a success. Thank goodness - I would have been so sad to see it go the way of the Geneva theatre (a subway sandwich shop) or the Dupage (torn down).
Kudos to those who made this happen... hope the success is ongoing.

Here's the same story from the Daily Herald regarding the concert at the Arcada. The Beatles tribute band American English and the band Wings (sans Paul McCartney) performed.

This story from yesterday's Daily Herald talks about the Arcada getting a $10,000 grant to offset the $21,500 cost of repairs on the theater's marquee and facade, including repainting the marquee, front doors and facade. The theater's new owner, Ron Onesti, is quoted as saying "These repairs would not only give the theater a new, refurbished, look but also reinstate the 'classic' style of theaters from days before."

This is a fine house: great architecture and in good condition. Good luck to Onesti. I believe buildings like this can become community centers again, especially when fitted with a complete stage. It is all a matter of creating another generation of positive memories.

I don't know if this photo has been posted here before but this is a 2002 photo of the Arcada Theater from the St. Charles Public Library.

Here is a 1929 photo of the exterior of the Arcada from the Library of Congress to compare it with Lost Memory's recent photo above.

Except for the more modern marquee in the 2002 photo, the building looks pretty much as it did in 1929.

Funny thing is that I like the existing marquee and vertical more than the marquee in that 1929 picture. How often does that happen?

Onesti will ruin the joint.

How so?

Here is a link with information on the Arcada:
http://www.silentfilmchicago.com/Theatres.htm

I'm an Organist and one of the Curators of the Pipe Organ, so here's an update on work going on at the Arcada. Within the past few months, up-lights have been placed by the Procenium arch, and really helps the front of the theatre not look so dank. The floors in the theatre have been painted "theatre" red. (a big step up from the half-ripped up, filthy baby blue floor) And recently the theatre regained lost dressing room space which, for the past several decades were gutted and being used by the bar next door. Previously, a billiards room on the second floor was used as THE dressing room. This will help stage-shows immensely.

The original 1926-28 3/16 Marr-Colton/Geneva Theatre Pipe Organ(thats a mouthful)is still played prior to select shows, but unfortunately is not advertised, so you'll never know when its played(typical). The Organ is playable, but do to 80 years of water damage and neglect, much of the organ needs to be rebuilt, and some chestwork is so damaged, it will require replacement chests. This I say as a matter of fact, not a matter of dire immportance. Serious work(and money) will be put into the organ only when the Theatre's wellfare is secured. Seeing the uncertain future of the Theatre, we merely try to keep the organ in playable condition, and pray for the Theatre's future.
Well, I hope SOMEONE found all this rambling useful.

This is a 1997 photo of the Arcada theater.

Anyone aware of non-profit visual/performing arts groups, etc. that have interest in purchasing the Arcada? Contact Theresa at City of St Charles-(630) 443-4093, tfawcett@stcharlesil.gov

Unless I missed it, I don't see that anyone has posted Onesti's web page for the Arcada:
http://onestientertainment.com/arcada/arcada.htm

Here are 2005 photos of the Arcada Theater. Click each photo to expand it.

Hello, I am working with Onesti Entertainment to put together a documentary celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Arcada Theatre. I am currently doing research into the history of the Arcada and the usage of the Arcada throughout different era of American history. If anyone has already preformed some research and would like to contribute it would be appreciated. As another part of the documentary we would also like to look at the "uniqueness" of the Arcada, why this theatre is so special. For this section we are looking for ways the Arcada has touched individual lives, so if you have a story about the theatre(meeting a significant other there, former employee, anything that is unique and interesting) let me know. Shoot me an e-mail at kdmcnamara@gmail.com

This website has some photos and information about the Marr & Colton theater organ.

This is a recent photo of the Arcada Theater.

I went to the 80th anniversary vaudeville show, and I really thought that Onesti group and the three sheeters club that put on the show did a great job of re-creating what I think must have been what a true vaudeville show was like back then. It was very enjoyable. Good job.

Russell Phillips Photo:

Arcada Auditorium, 1986

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994

Arcada Theater Building (added 1994 - Building - #94000977)
Also known as The Arcada
105 E. Main St. and 1st Ave., St. Charles
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Norris, Lester J., Behrns, Elmer F.
Architectural Style: Moderne, Mission/Spanish Revival
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture, Social
Historic Sub-function: Business, Meeting Hall, Restaurant, Specialty Store, Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Business, Restaurant, Specialty Store, Theater

Good afternoon! As a member of Onesti Entertainment, I wanted to stop by and thank you all for your enthusiastic support of The Arcada! As you’ve noted, Onesti Entertainment has taken over the management of the Theatre. You can keep track of our shows by visiting www.TheArcada.com If you are interested in receiving our email newsletters, feel free to email me (Joia@OnestiEntertainment.com) and I’ll add you to the list.

As I believe has been mentioned here, there are still movies shown at The Arcada. You will frequently see silent movies shown with live organ music, as well as film fests, classic flicks, and favorite pop culture movies like “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” We also have live events, such as concerts, ballet, theater and community events.

Restoring The Arcada is a work of love for Ron Onesti, owner of Onesti Entertainment. He is enthusiastic about maintaining the original splendor of the theatre while introducing new generations to the fun and excitement of a classic theatre. If you have any suggestions or requests, we would be happy to hear from you.

Thank you again for your support of The Arcada Theater!

Joia Noel Lucht
Director of Festivals & Special Events

I am so glad that the Arcada will go on. My Dad was a projectionist there in the 50's and early 60's. I can remember seeing the Ten Commandments there and I will always remember that. I can also remember the ladder that my Dad had to climb to reach the projection booth. I don't know how he did it every day. I remember the Saturday matinees showing all of our favorite cartoons on the large screen. I am glad that another generation will be able to enjoy a great theater.

Here is a close-up view of the Arcada Theater.

This is a recent night view.

A b/w photo can be seen here.

Another photo can be seen here.

This is an October 2008 photo.

this place is looking great

Here are two 1984 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

This is a nice close-up photo.

The Theatre Historial Society lists this theatre as opeing on Sept. 6, 1926 with seating listed at the time of opening at 900.

Here is a July 2009 photo.

This is a working link for the Arcada website.

Arcada Theatre - Voices can be heard coming from the balcony and throughout the building. A strange smell along with coldness sometimes floats through various parts of the theatre.

according to http://hauntedsandiego.com/wp/?page_id=1701

A couple more photos of the Arcade Theatre. Click each photo for a larger view.

http://www.agilitynut.com/06/7/arcada.jpg

http://www.agilitynut.com/06/7/arcada2.jpg

I LOVE THIS PLACE. I just saw a Christmas story here today and this place is amazing. Great sound, screen and seats. THANK YOU ONESTI

In the Arcada Building, My dad used to work for a company that operated the pool table in Dawg & Duck which is now a different bar now but he claims that Al Capone dug tunnels under the theatre.