DuPage Theater
109 S. Main Street,
Lombard,
IL
60148
109 S. Main Street,
Lombard,
IL
60148
14 people
favorited this theater
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Wow, I was gone over the weekend and came back to a very active site.
Here’s the article I co-wrote. You be the judge of my intentions instead of having a line taken out of context…
To Restore or to Regret? That Is the question.
It’s hard to imagine why the DuPage Theatre has become one of the most
contentious issues Lombard has ever known. For many of us, the theatre
represents a bridge from the past to the future. It represents an
opportunity for economic growth in an unique setting that we can be
proud to call our own. It’s a place people can use and enjoy through
the aesthetics of the wonderful atmospheric features built into the
building, and the many different art forms that can be exhibited there.
Of course, that’s not how everyone in town views the issue.
That’s because the stakes are high. For the very reason the theatre can
be a catalyst for economic growth in the downtown areaâ€"locationâ€"others
are eyeing it for more “profitable†endeavors. But who stands to
profit? Some individuals, maybe, but not necessarily the community as a
whole. If the theatre is removed, the next building to go on that
corner will forever throw off balance the structure our forefathers
built this village around. When people pass the spot, it will be a
reminder of a failure in vision and a lack of willingness to work
together for the good of all.
To supporters, the vote to raze DuPage Theatre represents the
continuing struggle of defining the Village of Lombard’s identity. We
are the Lilac Village, but we have so much more to offer. The loss of
this historic building would be an irreplaceable loss for Lombardâ€"now
and in the future. It would signal the loss of heritage and culture,
leave a gaping hole at Main and Parkside and wounds in the community
that may never heal.
We have a choice. We can have a restored theatre that demonstrates the
things which we hold dear and provides a legacy for future generations
or a village filled with deep regret.
Over the years, the Friends of the DuPage Theatre have received letters
and e-mails from people who understand this type of regret. One
individual said, “Don’t let it die. MANY, MANY communities across
America remain bitter and filled with regret for having torn their
theaters down.†Another reiterated these sentiments and wrote, “We too
in England have lost many unique theatres…There are many shop and
apartment complexes but NOTHING can replace a theatre once it is torn
down.†And yet another said, “Once the theater is demolishedâ€"it will be
gone forever, just like many of the other downtown Lombard icons…We
know in retrospect that loosing those historic structures is a shame,
and has hurt us socially and economically in the long run.â€
On the other hand, letters regarding the success of historic theaters
have served to inspire and encourage supporters. One woman wrote,
“…if the theatre in Oak Park wasn’t there, the rejuvenation of the
downtown would not be where it is today.†Many cited examples around
the country. For instance: “Look at the Orinda Theater east of Oakland,
California. Years ago a developer had it slated for destruction to
build a shopping center. That community lobbied and fought to have the
theater restored and it not only survived, it is now the distinctive
centerpiece and star attraction for the shopping center that surrounds
it!â€
Many villages have considered the restoration of their historic
downtown theaters a “no brainer.†Others have chosen to sever those
roots. What type of place do we want Lombard to be? Do we want to be a
community that honors its heritage and appreciates the gift our
predecessors have left us, or a community that is indifferent to those
values? Do we want a downtown which offers year-round incentives to
visit, or only seasonal activities? Do we want to retain one of the
most unique features of our village, or do we want
“nothing-much-special†downtown? Will we restore or will we regret?
To make an informed decision about the loss that Lombard faces, please
visit www.dupagetheatre.net View photos of the theatre interior, read
about the history that surrounds it and learn how you can help make a
difference. Then attend the August 18th Village Board Meeting, 7:30
p.m. at Lombard Village Hall, and let the Trustees know where you stand
on this important Lombard issue.
I hope that someone in the community will bipass the “Freinds” and recommend that the library be allowed to restore the building. They could keep much of the interior intact. The auditorium could be restored and used as the main room, with bookshelfs and tables instead of rows of seats. I doubt that this theater will ever be used as a theater again. I hope the “Freinds” realize that the best chance this theater has is to be reused as the library. Considering how the “Freinds” have acted towards the council, though, it might be best for this theater’s future if they just stay out of the debate.
You know what? After I left this site, I read the latest press article from the Friends on their website and I have to say, I think it’s over.
The latest column in our local newspaper by Ms. Dynako and another Friend refers to the property being “eyed for profitable endeavors by a few individuals” and then went on to encourage people to attend the board meeting and speak.
I think they’re done – that was another slap in the face to this board who is holding all the cards right now. The Friends won’t learn from their mistakes, they’ll just keep antagonizing until the bulldozers come. The library may have been a shot for them but I think this board is going to act and fast. Why should the trustees even try to accomodate a group who is consistently calling them thieves and swindlers. I’m pretty sure they blew it and it’s too bad because even someone like me who isn’t that passionate about saving the theatre liked the library/theatre idea.
Too bad.
It is a great idea and may be the Friends last hope. The apartment building that is attached to the Dupe would have to go – but that is by all counts condemnable as it is anyway.
Take everything down except the actual theater & foyer and build the new library around it! Maybe where the old apt bldg was can be a parking deck so they can have more space to build the new library. Even if they use their pledged private $$ to restore the marquee and facade while the library was built around it, then the interior restoration could be done at a slower pace while more funds are raised privately.
I’m not sure how the voters would feel but if the majority of the interior restoration money was raised privately, I would support it. If others did not, I think at the very very least, the marquee and facade should stay as well as some of the architectural features of the interior (ticket booth etc.)
Maybe the Friends could meet with the library board and the village and find out if this is possible. They have this architect who is supposedly an expert in restoring these theatres. Get him involved.
I’ll tell you one thing – the village has a board meeting again this week. If the Friends go up there and rip on the trustees again or start ripping on the suggestion of a library at the site, they can kiss that theatre goodbye and that will be a shame!
Y'know, that’s a great idea.
I think that if it is possible the theater should be incorporated into a new library. Even if it is only the facade and marquee, that would still give the feel of the old building. And if anything can be saved from the interior, then those objects can be placed in the library.
What about Trustee Soderstrom? Was he not perfectly clear? don’t remember only what you want to.
Let’s not start on the “fully funded” plan. You know where I stand, it was too big and required too many TIF dollars.
Why won’t you address the new info released about the library board’s interest in the property? If the voters decide to build a new library there – will you still be claiming the trustees were on the take? Why don’t they try to save the theatre or part of it as part of the library? I think it would be a win win if only people can move past the condos.
Ms. Dynako-if the overwhelming majority of a Trustee’s district signs a petition in favor of restoration, even a non-binding one, won’t that put them in a position where they would have to vote in favor of restoration? They would have a LOT of explaining to do if they still voted no, wouldn’t they. Ovbiously, veiled threats against Trustees did no good, in fact, I think it hurt your cause!
Look at what even anti-theatre people say “ Even a non-binding referendum would give the Friends an enormous amount of momentum behind their efforts at the state level, so I’m not sure why they’re not clamoring for ANY kind of vote.” Yet the Friends think they know better. It’s their arrogance that will be their downfall.
Of course I have let me voice be heard, but actions by the “Friends” are snuffing them out!!!
Sure, that Trustee has been on the Board for over 10 years but; he has not had an opponent for how long now (resident’s are afraid to run against the good ol boys), and what has been his full time job ? Suspicious to me… Clear in their reasons? That same Trustee said “The fantasy is over…” How is that clear? There was a fully-funded plan on the table that answered ALL the Trustees questions, yet they ignored it and voted for demolition to “proceed with redevelopment” as what? They didn’t give a plan, how is that an answer? Schaumburg is now building their SECOND cultural center, and Lombard is turning their pack on their first. We will become the laughing stock of northern Illinois!
DD – Remember, in all these years, there has been little or no interest in that property. What developer in their right mind would want to come into a town, tear down a theatre that has been a point of contention and then ask residents to shop at his stores or buy his condos? I believe most Lombardians don’t care enough to boycott – but the developer doesn’t know that. The only way to make the parcel marketable is for the village to take the step and demolish the building themselves. The building, as it stands now, looks very bad and neighboring residents are sick and tired of that. We don’t want to wait 6 more years for a plan that is reasonable.
These trustees are not on the take – did you know that one of the four that voted for demolition has been on the board for over a decade and had been a supporter of the theatre for years? He even attended benefits to save it. At the June meeting he and another trustee were very clear about their reasons for voting the way they did. It was not an easy decision for them but they had to consider the bigger picture.
Everything you and Melders said about the Friends is so right. When Ms. Dynako and some of the Friends took the podium at the July meeting, they were brutal to the board. It was really embarassing. They were so bad that even our village president, who has been a longtime supporter of the theatre, reprimanded them at the end. I would think any chance for overturning the vote ended that night. It’s too bad because I’m still hoping that they try to incorporate just the theatre but not the apartment building into the new library. Did you notice how they never respond to that? It’s their way (condo plan) or no way.
Because by the Village destroying it, promises made to individuals will be kept. Plus, that way same said individuals will save money for their redevelopment plan. Why should a developer pay for demolition when their buddies at the Village will do it ofr them? “Political contributions” cost less than bulldozers,,,,
I would still like someone to answer my question. Why the push for the city to demolish the theater and not a private developer?
I have to agree Dupage Dude. It seems to me that the “Friends” seem badly managed. Calling the council memebers names will only turn them against you and make them unwilling to ever listen to you. A referendum should be held, to prove to those that say the theater has no support wrong. I don’t believe that the people of the city want to see the theater fall, as some on this site have said.
Ms. Dynako-if the overwhelming majority of a Trustee’s district signs a petition in favor of restoration, even a non-binding one, won’t that put them in a position where they would have to vote in favor of restoration? They would have a LOT of explaining to do if they still voted no, wouldn’t they. Ovbiously, veiled threats against Trustees did no good, in fact, I think it hurt your cause!
Look at what even anti-theatre people say “ Even a non-binding referendum would give the Friends an enormous amount of momentum behind their efforts at the state level, so I’m not sure why they’re not clamoring for ANY kind of vote.” Yet the Friends think they know better. It’s their arrogance that will be their downfall.
Of course I have let me voice be heard, but actions by the “Friends” are snuffing them out!!!
DuPage Dude –
They simply know the votes are not there. There is a distinct difference in the actions of people when they are confronted in person on an issue, and when they can punch a vote privately in a referendum. Any referendum to save the Dupe would be roundly and soundly defeated and they know it.
Even a non-binding referendum would give the Friends an enormous amount of momentum behind their efforts at the state level, so I’m not sure why they’re not clamoring for ANY kind of vote.
The writing is on the wall. If the theatre were supportable, it would not have come to this in the first place.
Deb, you are right. A non-binding referendum won’t do any good. The city will just ignore it and go on with there plan. I have seen places use non-binding referendums and they have little effect on what a government decides.
Challenger, I’m sorry. Maybe the village isn’t rushing. But why the big push for the city to demolish it? Why not let a private developer and save the city the money?
DuPageDude,
Sorry I didn’t comment right away. Doing a non-binding referendum won’t change the minds of the four trustees who voted to demolish. Why do you think it would when 4,500+ signatures certainly didn’t? When time and time again, the citizens of Lombard have stood before them to state their support of the theatre? All the public outcry has evidently fallen on deaf ears. Have you stood up to voice your support for the theatre in their presence? Have you called and/or emailed your wishes for a preserved theatre to each of them? The Friends are trying to find the solution that will save the theatre. Other citizens are as well. What are some of your feelings regarding the situation? I understand your wish for referendum, and we can pursue that course as long as it is binding. Then, whatever way the vote goes, we will all have to accept the consequences based on the outcome. I certainly would appreciate reading any ideas you have to save the theatre.
I’m STILL waiting for a response from the “Friends” to my questions. I guess I’ll have to change my name to “Challenger” and get mean and spiteful to get any response… Even an advisory referendum would force the Trustees to rethink their vote on the razing of the Theatre, but yet the Friends come up with excuses NOT to do one—why is that? Certainly a group with as many members as you have would have NO PROBLEM doing a grassroots referendum to present to the Board, the State and the media, wouldn’t you? Like the old saying goes, “IF YOU’RE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM” Which one is the Friends going to be? I STRONGLY encourage the Friends to do one before it’s too late!!!
Melders “rush to demolish”…WHAT?!?!? What rush, this thing has sat vacant for almost 7 years, and it was hardly used for 10 years before that. If they would have rushed they would have torn it down 7 years ago. But since nothing has been done and the building is falling down as we speak they chose to to demolish the building now.
Melders, you are right. This theatre property is like any other “surplus property” in the inventory of a municipality. There are several alternatives. One must show the Village a reasonable development plan where cash is paid for the property to remove it from the NO TAX pile. Then demonstrate a reasonable chance of success for theatre restoration and operation in phases. They will listen. Remember, the Village is NOT in the theatre business. Look at how much time they have spent on this property while other matters in the Village go unattended. To attack them is wrong. They have been more than patient. Now the time for action is here. This type of development deal has happened elsewhere all over the country. Tempers and emotions are hot right now. I know that calmer heads can prevail.
Also I still cannot understand the rush to demolision. If this is such a desirable site, let a private developer demolish the theater and save the taxpayers money. But it seems to me that the people for demolision have no problems spending money on demolision. I just hope they realize that this theater is probably full of asbestos and would be very costly to demolish.
Challenger, what is wrong with the children of town signing the petition. These children will grow up in town and if the theater is demolished, they will probably look back and regret what their city has done. Also, you said that the “Friends have raised only $1200 in six years. If I remeber the "Freinds” is only about 3 years old, so you must have them confused with another group.
I hope you are not referring to me – but frankly you have just thrown a rock from a glass house.
Did you know the Dupe wasn’t going to be a movie theatre? Does that mean the discussion of it’s fate belongs somewhere else?
As I’ve said before, just because this condo plan has failed, it may not be too late to save the theatre and incorporate into something else i.e. a new library.
What’s your plan? To wait around for the preservation fairy to sprinkle magic dust on the Dupe while you talk of movie theaters? It’s time for action, not words – before time runs out!
Woof woof and good night!
I thought this was a site for those who were interested in movie theaters. The negative trolls who have posted above not only lack manners, it is also obvious that they are either developers or others with a financial interest in seeing the theater demolished. Fine, if that’s their interest, then let them find another discussion board to promote their ideas.
DuPage Dude is right, Deb. Don’t encourage themn. It’s like waving a piece of raw meat at a dog.
An old adage puts it well: “If you lie down with dogs, you get up
with fleas.”
Peace.