The Old Red Barn Theater is in Mt.Clare Il. There was/is a theater in Benld but hasn’t been open in many years. I lived in Benld for several years as a youngster and still visit relatives in Benld. This area was coal mining country. When the coal mines closed the local economy tanked. The area hasn’t been the same since. 2 miles from the Old Red Barn is the town of Gillespie. Gillespie is where actor Howard Keel was born and raised.
Buff. Obamba can’t meddle in the internal affairs of communities. Nor should he. He is a Legislator. He is not a savior of landmarked buildings. Several state and federal legislators worked to save the DuPage Theatre from the wrecking ball. Unfortunately local politics is the culprit. The fact is Lombard has a dismal record toward historical preservation.
I appreciate your feelings about Rapp & Rapp and the DuPage Theatre.
Many of us share your feelings and concerns. However Melders, Obamba, ect. are not the culprits.
Metropolis leader exits stage right
After 5 years on the job, theater director resigns to take Wheaton post
By Ames Boykin
Posted Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights on Friday said goodbye to its executive director, who will take on the challenging project to restore the Wheaton Grand Theater.
Tim Rater, 32, told the theaterâ€\s board on Thursday of his resignation from the post he has held since 2002. He told staff members Friday of his decision to lead the renovation and restoration team looking to bring the 1920s Grand Theater back to life. The resignation, announced late Friday, was effective immediately.
Rater, who couldnâ€\t be reached for comment, started working at the Arlington Heights theater as its general manager when it opened in 2000. Two years later, he replaced the theaterâ€\s first director, Alan Salzenstein.
“Itâ€\s an exciting opportunity to be part of a team thatâ€\s restoring a magnificent theater and an opportunity to build another great performing arts center,†Rater said in a statement. “Iâ€\ll miss Metropolis, but I know Iâ€\m leaving it in a good place.â€
Monica McCarthy, Metropolis board president, said she was surprised by the move.
“Weâ€\re very proud of Timâ€\s opportunity. We will miss him. (But) One of the beautiful things is Tim has assembled a top-notch staff,†McCarthy said. “We feel very confident that until we find a replacement things will run business-as-usual.â€
The theater will immediately begin a search for a new director, she said.
Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said she received a call from Rater on Friday. Arlington Heights serves as the landlord for the downtown theater.
“Itâ€\s one of those things: change is inevitable. I know that Timâ€\s done a wonderful job. He along with his staff have put together the program for this year,†Mulder said. “When you think about it, itâ€\s not like heâ€\s leaving at a critical point.â€
Rater will work for a firm owned by Ray Shepardson, manager of the Grand Theater project.
Shepardson said he wants Rater to duplicate the Metropolisâ€\ success. He is preparing a presentation for Wheaton officials. While he would like some government help, Shepardson has no plans to pitch a public-private partnership like the deal Metropolis has with Arlington Heights.
“Weâ€\re looking to get the city involved but not as an owner or risk taker. Our project doesnâ€\t need a subsidy,†he said.
He hopes to begin the restoration project next year, and open the 1,100-seat theater in 2009.
A gift wasted?
It’s been nearly eight years since Big Idea Productions took a $3.9 million loss to donate the DuPage Theatre, its 2.5-acre site and $100,000 cash to Lombard. In the end, it wasn’t enough to save the building from the wrecking ball. Now Lombard leaders have a big challenge: To ensure something is developed on the property that makes all the wasted time, money and effort worth it.
At last, some closure:
We here in the newsroom often referred to the saga of the DuPage Theatre as “the story that wouldn’t die.†For 12 years, various factions sparred on whether the theater â€" in the end, just its facade â€" should be spared from the wrecking ball. And perhaps it’s only fitting that tearing down a wall took two days this week. As further testimony to what an interminable process this was, a search of our archives showed that Robert Sanchez, who covered Lombard for seven years, wrote more than 100 stories on the DuPage Theatre’s fate.
Theatre memories:
Ah, but there are good stories to be told about the Theatre. Remember when going to the movies was like entering a palace? The elaborate art design on the walls. The smell of hot buttered popcorn always wafted through the aisles. But this wasn’t the only snack to have in your lap while you watched the movie. There were Sno Caps, Mason Dots, Necco wafers, a Chunky, Tootsie Rolls. Enough to get you through the double features. Those were the days in movie houses like the DuPage Theatre. Good memories on a dark day for theater supporters
Rita. It isn’t about a library. I suggested giving the library the land and $9.5 million in TIF money that would be generated from whole block development and they do the backpeddle on the library.
What happened to LAMP?
Library at Main and Parkside? Read their backpeddle quote…“That idea was tossed out years ago and will never garner support from the board (library, park, and village!)”
So then what development will go on the “ most coveted ” piece of property in the entire Village of Lombard? It’s a BIG secret!!
Neighbor? Kindly let those that have passed away while serving their community rest in peace. Joan,Doug,and Mark. You aren’t fit to walk in their footsteps.
Then the Village of Lombard didn’t lie. No property taxes would be used for restoration and a cultural arts center.
TIF/Tax dollars? “Residents property values harmed by variances?”
Would you have the same concerns if those same issues existed for a library? Would you support giving $9.5 million in TIF for a library? Would you support setback variances ,landscape variances, parking variances,traffic issues , and flood control variances for a library?
Neighbor? What does “preservation at any cost” mean to you? Can you define it? I would like to know who would pay for the preservation because the village staff held a information only meeting for Lombard residents about the theatre tif district and the village staff informed us that there would be no increase in real estate taxes for preservation with an arts center. Are you telling me that the village staff lied to the residents at that meeting?
What would the carpetbagger write in candidate want to see on the Dupage Theratre property? Nobody is saying. It’s a BIG secret. The DEVIL is in the details.
Hoo-Hah !
Gordy?? Interesting. You don’t deny his TOADIE status. Just as interesting is you don’t deny his carpet bagger status..Interesting. You support a carpet bagger yet you don’t know what he wants to see on the DuPage Theatre property.The Parkside & Main Theatre property that your TOADIE write in candidate said was the “most coveted "property in the entire village.
Low-lifes? Resorting to name calling so soon?
Sign stealing? That’s for your croud.
I wouldn’t waste my time with him.
Gordy. What would you like to see at Main & Parkside once the theatre is leveled? The theatre would have been saved if there wasn’t other plans for the “most coveted” property in the entire village.
What does your TOADIE carpetbagger want to see at Main & Parkside?
Lombard, IL –
Joining the company of other legendary structures, the DuPage Theatre in Lombard has attracted the devotion of many residents. Its unique facade recalls earlier times when movie houses served as the major venue for entertainment.
“Built in 1928, the DuPage Theatre was the creation of the Midwest Paramount Theatre Corp. This movie palace, with all the same splendor of downtown Chicago movie theaters, was designed by R.G. Wolff, who was associated with Rapp and Rapp, which is recognized as the foremost theater architectural firm in American history,†according to the Web site CinemaTreasures.org. YES
• It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The theater has retained its popularity; many people want to see it preserved.
• A proposed $40 million restoration project could spark further redevelopment and create many new jobs.
• The village loses $1 million a year in tax increment financing revenue by leaving it vacant.
NO
• The property could be used as a new site for the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library.
• The controversy over whether to restore it or tear it down has cost the village substantial money in legal fees.
• Village officials cannot decide how to proceed with proposals to renovate the theater.
• Demolition on the building has already begun. The proposal to restore it calls for the auditorium to be razed, with only the lobby and marquee salvaged.
“The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first conceived by famed architect John Eberson. Using a combination of architectural features and special lighting effects, the theatergoer is transported to an outdoor Spanish garden setting with twinkling stars covering a lovely patio. In theaters like the DuPage, the building and its special lighting effects are as much a part of the show as the entertainment presented on stage,†the Web site states.
“The DuPage Theatre has played host to all the great classic films, as well as featured live entertainers such as Gene Autry, Pat Butram and George Gobel. It was also a favorite location for live radio broadcasts of such popular shows as the National Barn Dance.â€
But changing times have brought hardship to the facility. As with many similar structures, the theater fell behind a trend of diversified entertainment dollars.
Vacated in the late 1990s, the DuPage Theatre has been the subject of endless discussion about whether it should be restored and who should own it. The Lombard Village Board recently voted to demolish the building, but last week President William Mueller vetoed the board’s decision.
View link
DuPage Theatre gets temporary reprieve
Advertisement
By Burney Simpson
Special to the Tribune
March 17, 2007
The DuPage Theatre in Lombard got a reprieve this week when village President William Mueller vetoed two proposals that would have demolished the building and set the stage for a community center.
Trustees voted two weeks ago to demolish all that remains of the 79-year-old structure, its facade, sign, lobby and promenade. That put an end to a $40 million plan to combine the theater with retail shops and a condo development that, trustees said, would add too much congestion to the area. Instead, the Village Board approved a plan calling for proposals to build a 10,000-square-foot community center on the site.
On Thursday, Mueller used his veto power to put a temporary halt to the demolition, the first time in recent memory a Lombard president has used that authority, according to Village Atty. Thomas Bayer.
In his veto statement, Mueller said trustees could not shoot down the theater and condo development on grounds that it would cause too much congestion and then build a community center that would bring more traffic and parking problems.
Mueller said he is exploring a new project for the site that might include a library, park land, shops and a community center. Deborah Dynako, president of the Friends of the DuPage Theater, called Mueller’s actions “courageous. He listened to the community.”
But Trustee Steven Sebby, who voted to demolish the theater, said Mueller’s vetoes were “a huge mistake on his part” that could bring lawsuits from neighbors who oppose the condo development.
Daily Herald editorial comment.
“Talk about a plot twist:
Depending what side of the DuPage Theatre debate you’re on, Lombard Village President William Mueller played the role of hero or spoiler this week when he vetoed a board decision to demolish the 79-year-old movie house. It was the first time Mueller used his veto power in his 14 years as village president. Not even O. Henry could have predicted that one."
You were at the 6/02/05 board meeting when about 30 residents spoke out against the school. You were NOT one of them. It was sent to the village board with a denial by the Plan Commission. Care to explain why you didn’t speak against those code variations?
Being protected by the village code is for every resident.
According to your logic code variations only effect theatre residents. So much for YOUR feeble minded excuses.
I am not threating you with anything.
You only spoke of one resident against Walgreen’s code variances when we know there were many residents against them.
If you can cough up $2.3 million or more to purchase the property go ahead.
Odds are that you will request TIF rebates to build your nursing home. The extension guaranteed it.
Go ahead. Lets see how many code variances you will beg for.
With all of us us senior’s hanging around it should turn into a regular cash cow for you.
We will be watching and waiting for who is the end user of that property and the sale price.
The gloves are off.
The Old Red Barn Theater is in Mt.Clare Il. There was/is a theater in Benld but hasn’t been open in many years. I lived in Benld for several years as a youngster and still visit relatives in Benld. This area was coal mining country. When the coal mines closed the local economy tanked. The area hasn’t been the same since. 2 miles from the Old Red Barn is the town of Gillespie. Gillespie is where actor Howard Keel was born and raised.
I’m a John Wayne fan and I use this website reguraly. Use the E mail link. I hope it works for you.
http://www.jwaynefan.com/
Buff. Obamba can’t meddle in the internal affairs of communities. Nor should he. He is a Legislator. He is not a savior of landmarked buildings. Several state and federal legislators worked to save the DuPage Theatre from the wrecking ball. Unfortunately local politics is the culprit. The fact is Lombard has a dismal record toward historical preservation.
I appreciate your feelings about Rapp & Rapp and the DuPage Theatre.
Many of us share your feelings and concerns. However Melders, Obamba, ect. are not the culprits.
Metropolis leader exits stage right
After 5 years on the job, theater director resigns to take Wheaton post
By Ames Boykin
Posted Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights on Friday said goodbye to its executive director, who will take on the challenging project to restore the Wheaton Grand Theater.
Tim Rater, 32, told the theaterâ€\s board on Thursday of his resignation from the post he has held since 2002. He told staff members Friday of his decision to lead the renovation and restoration team looking to bring the 1920s Grand Theater back to life. The resignation, announced late Friday, was effective immediately.
Rater, who couldnâ€\t be reached for comment, started working at the Arlington Heights theater as its general manager when it opened in 2000. Two years later, he replaced the theaterâ€\s first director, Alan Salzenstein.
“Itâ€\s an exciting opportunity to be part of a team thatâ€\s restoring a magnificent theater and an opportunity to build another great performing arts center,†Rater said in a statement. “Iâ€\ll miss Metropolis, but I know Iâ€\m leaving it in a good place.â€
Monica McCarthy, Metropolis board president, said she was surprised by the move.
“Weâ€\re very proud of Timâ€\s opportunity. We will miss him. (But) One of the beautiful things is Tim has assembled a top-notch staff,†McCarthy said. “We feel very confident that until we find a replacement things will run business-as-usual.â€
The theater will immediately begin a search for a new director, she said.
Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said she received a call from Rater on Friday. Arlington Heights serves as the landlord for the downtown theater.
“Itâ€\s one of those things: change is inevitable. I know that Timâ€\s done a wonderful job. He along with his staff have put together the program for this year,†Mulder said. “When you think about it, itâ€\s not like heâ€\s leaving at a critical point.â€
Rater will work for a firm owned by Ray Shepardson, manager of the Grand Theater project.
Shepardson said he wants Rater to duplicate the Metropolisâ€\ success. He is preparing a presentation for Wheaton officials. While he would like some government help, Shepardson has no plans to pitch a public-private partnership like the deal Metropolis has with Arlington Heights.
“Weâ€\re looking to get the city involved but not as an owner or risk taker. Our project doesnâ€\t need a subsidy,†he said.
He hopes to begin the restoration project next year, and open the 1,100-seat theater in 2009.
Bryan Krefft. A view from the Metra station!
View link
3 editorials from the Daily Herald.5/12/07
A gift wasted?
It’s been nearly eight years since Big Idea Productions took a $3.9 million loss to donate the DuPage Theatre, its 2.5-acre site and $100,000 cash to Lombard. In the end, it wasn’t enough to save the building from the wrecking ball. Now Lombard leaders have a big challenge: To ensure something is developed on the property that makes all the wasted time, money and effort worth it.
At last, some closure:
We here in the newsroom often referred to the saga of the DuPage Theatre as “the story that wouldn’t die.†For 12 years, various factions sparred on whether the theater â€" in the end, just its facade â€" should be spared from the wrecking ball. And perhaps it’s only fitting that tearing down a wall took two days this week. As further testimony to what an interminable process this was, a search of our archives showed that Robert Sanchez, who covered Lombard for seven years, wrote more than 100 stories on the DuPage Theatre’s fate.
Theatre memories:
Ah, but there are good stories to be told about the Theatre. Remember when going to the movies was like entering a palace? The elaborate art design on the walls. The smell of hot buttered popcorn always wafted through the aisles. But this wasn’t the only snack to have in your lap while you watched the movie. There were Sno Caps, Mason Dots, Necco wafers, a Chunky, Tootsie Rolls. Enough to get you through the double features. Those were the days in movie houses like the DuPage Theatre. Good memories on a dark day for theater supporters
A very sad day. What a disgrace.
Rita. It isn’t about a library. I suggested giving the library the land and $9.5 million in TIF money that would be generated from whole block development and they do the backpeddle on the library.
What happened to LAMP?
Library at Main and Parkside? Read their backpeddle quote…“That idea was tossed out years ago and will never garner support from the board (library, park, and village!)”
So then what development will go on the “ most coveted ” piece of property in the entire Village of Lombard? It’s a BIG secret!!
Who do these people think their fooling?
Neighbor? Kindly let those that have passed away while serving their community rest in peace. Joan,Doug,and Mark. You aren’t fit to walk in their footsteps.
Then the Village of Lombard didn’t lie. No property taxes would be used for restoration and a cultural arts center.
TIF/Tax dollars? “Residents property values harmed by variances?”
Would you have the same concerns if those same issues existed for a library? Would you support giving $9.5 million in TIF for a library? Would you support setback variances ,landscape variances, parking variances,traffic issues , and flood control variances for a library?
Neighbor? What does “preservation at any cost” mean to you? Can you define it? I would like to know who would pay for the preservation because the village staff held a information only meeting for Lombard residents about the theatre tif district and the village staff informed us that there would be no increase in real estate taxes for preservation with an arts center. Are you telling me that the village staff lied to the residents at that meeting?
What would the carpetbagger write in candidate want to see on the Dupage Theratre property? Nobody is saying. It’s a BIG secret. The DEVIL is in the details.
Hoo-Hah !
Gordy?? Interesting. You don’t deny his TOADIE status. Just as interesting is you don’t deny his carpet bagger status..Interesting. You support a carpet bagger yet you don’t know what he wants to see on the DuPage Theatre property.The Parkside & Main Theatre property that your TOADIE write in candidate said was the “most coveted "property in the entire village.
Low-lifes? Resorting to name calling so soon?
Sign stealing? That’s for your croud.
I wouldn’t waste my time with him.
Gordy? What does your TOADIE carpetbagger write in candidate want to see at Main & Parkside?
Gordy. What would you like to see at Main & Parkside once the theatre is leveled? The theatre would have been saved if there wasn’t other plans for the “most coveted” property in the entire village.
What does your TOADIE carpetbagger want to see at Main & Parkside?
Gordy. Lame. Real LAME!
Hoo-Hah !
Your TOADIE carpetbagger write in? Hoo-Hah !
Hoo-Hah !
Hoo-Hah !
Lombard Spectator
Thu Mar 22, 2007, 03:27 PM CDT
Lombard, IL –
Joining the company of other legendary structures, the DuPage Theatre in Lombard has attracted the devotion of many residents. Its unique facade recalls earlier times when movie houses served as the major venue for entertainment.
“Built in 1928, the DuPage Theatre was the creation of the Midwest Paramount Theatre Corp. This movie palace, with all the same splendor of downtown Chicago movie theaters, was designed by R.G. Wolff, who was associated with Rapp and Rapp, which is recognized as the foremost theater architectural firm in American history,†according to the Web site CinemaTreasures.org. YES
• It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The theater has retained its popularity; many people want to see it preserved.
• A proposed $40 million restoration project could spark further redevelopment and create many new jobs.
• The village loses $1 million a year in tax increment financing revenue by leaving it vacant.
NO
• The property could be used as a new site for the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library.
• The controversy over whether to restore it or tear it down has cost the village substantial money in legal fees.
• Village officials cannot decide how to proceed with proposals to renovate the theater.
• Demolition on the building has already begun. The proposal to restore it calls for the auditorium to be razed, with only the lobby and marquee salvaged.
“The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first conceived by famed architect John Eberson. Using a combination of architectural features and special lighting effects, the theatergoer is transported to an outdoor Spanish garden setting with twinkling stars covering a lovely patio. In theaters like the DuPage, the building and its special lighting effects are as much a part of the show as the entertainment presented on stage,†the Web site states.
“The DuPage Theatre has played host to all the great classic films, as well as featured live entertainers such as Gene Autry, Pat Butram and George Gobel. It was also a favorite location for live radio broadcasts of such popular shows as the National Barn Dance.â€
But changing times have brought hardship to the facility. As with many similar structures, the theater fell behind a trend of diversified entertainment dollars.
Vacated in the late 1990s, the DuPage Theatre has been the subject of endless discussion about whether it should be restored and who should own it. The Lombard Village Board recently voted to demolish the building, but last week President William Mueller vetoed the board’s decision.
The debate continues.
View link
DuPage Theatre gets temporary reprieve
Advertisement
By Burney Simpson
Special to the Tribune
March 17, 2007
The DuPage Theatre in Lombard got a reprieve this week when village President William Mueller vetoed two proposals that would have demolished the building and set the stage for a community center.
Trustees voted two weeks ago to demolish all that remains of the 79-year-old structure, its facade, sign, lobby and promenade. That put an end to a $40 million plan to combine the theater with retail shops and a condo development that, trustees said, would add too much congestion to the area. Instead, the Village Board approved a plan calling for proposals to build a 10,000-square-foot community center on the site.
On Thursday, Mueller used his veto power to put a temporary halt to the demolition, the first time in recent memory a Lombard president has used that authority, according to Village Atty. Thomas Bayer.
In his veto statement, Mueller said trustees could not shoot down the theater and condo development on grounds that it would cause too much congestion and then build a community center that would bring more traffic and parking problems.
Mueller said he is exploring a new project for the site that might include a library, park land, shops and a community center. Deborah Dynako, president of the Friends of the DuPage Theater, called Mueller’s actions “courageous. He listened to the community.”
But Trustee Steven Sebby, who voted to demolish the theater, said Mueller’s vetoes were “a huge mistake on his part” that could bring lawsuits from neighbors who oppose the condo development.
Daily Herald editorial comment.
“Talk about a plot twist:
Depending what side of the DuPage Theatre debate you’re on, Lombard Village President William Mueller played the role of hero or spoiler this week when he vetoed a board decision to demolish the 79-year-old movie house. It was the first time Mueller used his veto power in his 14 years as village president. Not even O. Henry could have predicted that one."
Update about the DuPage Theatre.
View link
Update about the DuPage Theatre.
View link
Update about the DuPage Theatre.
View link
You were at the 6/02/05 board meeting when about 30 residents spoke out against the school. You were NOT one of them. It was sent to the village board with a denial by the Plan Commission. Care to explain why you didn’t speak against those code variations?
Being protected by the village code is for every resident.
According to your logic code variations only effect theatre residents. So much for YOUR feeble minded excuses.
I am not threating you with anything.
You only spoke of one resident against Walgreen’s code variances when we know there were many residents against them.
If you can cough up $2.3 million or more to purchase the property go ahead.
Odds are that you will request TIF rebates to build your nursing home. The extension guaranteed it.
Go ahead. Lets see how many code variances you will beg for.
With all of us us senior’s hanging around it should turn into a regular cash cow for you.
We will be watching and waiting for who is the end user of that property and the sale price.
The gloves are off.