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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This is a web site for people who love and cherish old theaters. To come in here and cheerlead for demolition just seems wrong.
Because certainly, all this negativity and lack of imagination could in no way affect their chances of success. Look. You go on and on about how the DuPage supporters didn’t have the money, and couldn’t do what they were trying to do. But with constant detractors like you, how can they possibly expect to raise money? It’s this kind of negative NIMBYism that keeps people from taking action in the first place. If people start thinking there’s no reason for them to contribute, that their effort will be hopeless, they’re not going to try to make something of it. Projects like this can only succeed if people approach the situation optimistically. It’s hard enough trying to preserve a building in the first place without an entire organization working against you. Let’s not even go into the practice of registering a similar domain name to the real website, or the way TIFs are actually used (hmm… Chicago used a TIF for its Theatre district, didn’t it? Somehow I don’t think that ticket sales bring all that much cash flow into city hall… but they couldn’t possibly know what they’re talking about) Don’t go around hailing yourself as some sort of heroic protector of the helpless taxpayer. There’s already enough people unwilling to pay a cent more that won’t directly help them- why don’t you take up the cause of the elderly paying for schools as part of their taxes? They certainly don’t go to school; why should they have to pay?
They would visit this site to protect taxpaying citizens from debacles like the DuPage Theatre that depend almost entirely on tax dollars to make it happen. The Village Board has spoken….Village President Mueuller did the right thing in finding theatre supporters in default of their restoration agreement. Supporters claimed retractors were “poisoning the well”….gee, maybe only with the truth. So I guess we can say three trustees and the Village President must have taken a drink from the well of truth (as only the supporters would see the truth and financial reality as poison).
I don’t know… but I certainly agree that we should save some! After all, so many are gone already that we should try to save the few that are left. I wouldn’t say it’s so much like trying to drive a Model T down the Kennedy as it is to say, driving a Dusenberg down the Kennedy instead of a Honda- certainly not the most modern way, nor the most economical, but overall a vastly superior experience.
Why would a person who thinks “the time for these buildings has passed” be visiting this website. I can understand that you might be against the restoration of the Theatre but I can’t understand what brought you here? This is a place where people come to talk about restoring classic cinemas. If your not intersted in this cause maybe this is not the website for you, unless you just enjoy posting comments to argue with others.
You know…I’m not familiar with the entire story. But, I’ll say this: the time for these buildings has passed. If creative reuse can be achieved using all or part of the building, fabulous. But it must be realistic in the modern world. Otherwise, tear the place down and build something else…and this is coming from a guy who’s related to people that designed these theaters left & right back in the twenties. Chicago has fared well, as cities with restored theaters go. We should save some…but, we can’t save them all…it’s like trying to make a guy drive a Model T down the Kennedy to his job every day.
Talk about a need for cleaning up after those that throw mud…simply look at theatre restoration financing, their claims that it will work, and take a peak at the crass comments put forth by theatre foundation supporters on other forums. They can do nothing but attack since the FACTS speak for themselves. Doesn’t the theatre plan call for more condos on the “south parcel”? The only misinformation continuing to be posted and published comes from suppporters themselves. And creative reuses have been put out for open discussion many times..and it certainly never included condos, parking lots or a CVS. In fact it includes restoration of key components of the theatre, thus the appropriateness of open discussion in this “restoration forum”. And how can you generalize that people against the DuPage don’t care about the arts? So far from the truth….most just don’t care for a village owned and taxpayer supported effort to restore the DuPage. One only needs to dig into the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan to see what could happen ($10 million over budget, $500,000 operating deficit)on Main Street.
As always “Concerned Taxpayer” is misleading people who might not be involved with the daily happenings of the DuPage Theatre. The final curtain has not dropped and in fact there is a village board meeting later in the week to discuss the progress the DuPage Theatre foundation board has made. Sure “Concerned Taxpayer” will respond saying there is no progress, this and that, and post more misinformation about the restoration efforts. “Concerned Taxpayer” along with a small group of other village residents have taken to posting their misinformation along with real news to try to validate there cause. The cause is to tear down the DuPage Theatre. They don’t care about the Arts, and they don’t care about restoration efforts. I hope visiters to this site are not fooled into thinking that these negative DuPage Theatre posters are just against this project, but interested in the causes this website supports, their not. The creative reuse/redevelopment that they talk about are one of three things. 1. Condo’s 2. CVS pharmacy 3. Parking Lot. I will admit that the restoration efforts have been long hard work, and for this project to succeed there is a lot more long hard work to do. This is a crucial time for the DuPage Theatre, and a small group of village residents with some influential pull have thrown roadblocks one after the other in our way and will say anything they can to have you believe this project is a bad idea . Lombard residents are in support of the restoration of the DuPage Theatre. In additon to that support, we have had good feedback from other DuPage County residents. I hoped this forum troll would just go away since this is a site where people come together because they care about classic cinemas and restoration efforts, not to argue. But they seem to like throwing mud around and I thought would clean up behind them.
DuPage Theatre
1928-2004
After a seventy six year run at Main and Parkside in downtown Lombard, the final curtain dropped today, December 1st, on the DuPage Theatre (affectionately known to many simply as the “Dupe”)as restoration contracts were not in place by the deadline. The Dupe had a good run for his first 60 or so years…featuring live radio productions such as the National Barn Dance, live performances by Gene Autry, Pat Butram, and George Goebel, classic films, and later in life divided up into a budget multiplex. The last several years were tough on this old friend. Despite big ideas for redevelopment by Big Ideas in the mid 1990’s and a valiant effort for restoration by many Friends in 2004, the Dupe never recovered fully.
All is not lost in Lombard though as the Dupe is survived by many old buildings in town including the Sheldon Peck House, the restored chapel at Main and Maple, the Historical Society house, and many other significant residential structures including the much adored “Orphan Annie House” right up Main Street. Creative reuse/redevelopment of the site of this historic structure is anticipated and all in town will benefit from his legacy.
A later date with the wrecking ball is planned.
the village board members agreed to the
release of tif funds for phase1 of restoration
when the theater foundation submitted
a signed contract for phase 1 construction.
a year later some board members changed the
agreement stating that they will not approve
release of tif funds until the foundation
shows proof of funding for phase 1
this a a complete about facefor the board.
not what was agreed upon
tif dollars.
sometimes in the eyes of the beholder
sometimes the squeaky wheel get the oil
“ie"
33k of tif money to pay for facad work
on 33 north main
paint job
i could never figure that deal
maybe it had something to do with votes
duper supporter
DuPage Theatre supporters have only about $125,000 in the bank….and it certainly is not enough to enter into contracts or agreements for the phase 1 and phase 2 work to the tune of $1.9 million.
Said the DuPage Theatre Foundation spokesperson in an article recenlty published in the Daily Herald: “Because it’s complicated doesn’t mean it’s iffy”. Do the supporters not see that it is complicated and iffy only by one simple fact…there is not enough money in the bank to restore this theatre? At least three Village Trustees have seemed to realize this fact from their comments at the October 21st village board meeting.
How can the DuPage Theatre Foundation continue to state that they are moving forward on awarding a contract or hiring a firm to manage construction when there is no money to pay for it?
Each side should say as they wish……
Could it be that the truth hurts?
I am certainly not against restoration of historic treasures by private enterprise. There are many wonderful examples like the spectacular Tivoli in Downers Grove.
And to misinform? Not at all. Just presenting the facts here…no matter how painful they may be to the DuPage supporters. Cinema Treasures is free to remove the comments they deem argumentative or against restoration. But is it really wrong to present the facts on the restoration scene? Maybe it is to the supporters since the truth is so painful.
To the negitive DuPage Theatre posters,
In Cinema Treasures own words “Cinema Treasures is a groundbreaking website devoted to movie theater preservation and awareness. Utilizing the community-building capabilities of the Internet, Cinema Treasures unites movie theater owners and enthusiasts in a common causeâ€"to save the last remaining movie palaces across the country.” It doesn’t seem in the sprit of the websites concept to have negitive opinion posted just to misinform the people who the website was meant to service, movie theater owners and enthusiast interested in theater preservation. This is a place for people who love movie palaces to come together and share stories, experiences, and information, not a place to argue with people who don’t appreciate “Cinema Treasures”.
To REALLY Set the Record Straight…..
Big Idea did not outgrow the location…they never did anything with the theatre after purchasing it….other than board it up. They never got their “big idea” going at this site. Yes, the “white elephant” was given to the village. And yes, the village has an agreement with the DuPage Foundation…but the village is still the owner and responsible for the building. And TIF funds are TAX DOLLARS….just as the Save The Treasure grants and other moneys they are seeking are all TAX DOLLARS. If it was a sensible project you would not need federal tax credits, TIF funding, and grant money to make it work…free enterprise would make it a success. The people working to save the theatre are down to the wire….and that hum we hear in the distance is not cheers of support from vilage residents but instead the bulldozers warming up to finally tear it down. For the real story visit www.dupagetheatre.com
To Set the Record Straight —
The Village of Lombard did not take over the DuPage Theatre. It received the theatre as a gift for its citizens from Big Idea Corporation when it outgrew the location. The Village is not in the theatre business; they have signed an agreement with the DuPage Theatre Foundation to manage and oversee its restoration and operation. The Village of Lombard provides TIF funds to businesses within a TIF district to enhance and strengthen that district. TIF funds would be provided to any elegible business on that corner, not specifically the theatre building. Tax dollars used for the DuPage Theatre are monies set aside for these kinds of projects in towns across America. If Lombard does not get the money another town will. People working to save the historic DuPage Theatre are wisely seeking out available grants, just as students do. For the latest information visit www.dupagetheatre.net
That is true i have one that is redone in my town very nice but the goverment has no bsns saving private bsns. Just my opinion and as you know i love old theaters.
You do have a good point town goverments have no bsns being in the theater bsns. I love old theaters but do not support govrment take overs of the buildings.
Here’s some news that’s fit to be printed for all to know…..
Did you know that nearly 90% ($4,737,103.00) of the restoration of the the DuPage Theatre will be funded using tax dollars (whether it be TIF or tax credits..it’s still tax dollars). Less than 3% ($93,886.00) of the funds “raised” to date are private individual donations. And most of that private money is “pledged” and not “real money” in the bank.
Did you know that to date nearly $270,000.00* of money raised, both private and public, has been spent on the DuPage Theatre. Yet a “safety fence” has recently been installed around the building, on the recommendation of the Lombard building department, to protect the public from loose bricks, mortar, etc. and to avoid potential injury and lawsuits
*$125,000.00 Illinois First Grant, $79,369.20 Lombard Restoration Fund Hard & Soft Donations, $19,000.00 Friends of DuPage Theatre, Ltd Donation, $25,114.00 Individual Cash Donations to the Foundation and $20,086.90 in parking revenue. Source: DuPage Theatre Foundation, Inc. Pledge Report â€" August 31, 2004, DuPage Theatre Foundation, Inc. Treasurer’s Report â€" August 31, 2004
Did you know you can learn even more when you visit www.dupagetheatre.com for the real story and for more detailed information. You can also see comments from DuPage supporters, opponents, and most importantly the taxpayers and citizens of Lombard.
To Lombard Resident:
I won’t argue with you over the proper use of tax dollars, but I disagree that a restored movie palace will only benefit an exclusive few. Successful theatres tend to enhance downtown areas. Just look at the impact that the Chicago, Oriental, and Palace theatres have had for downtown Chicago. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of examples of this across America. But I do generally agree that governments shouldn’t be in the theatre business.
The restoration of the DuPage Theatre has been attempted before and the residents did not support it. The only significant financial support has been through tax dollars, not private funding. If you have a spare $10 million that you want to throw away, buy the property and restore the theatre and write off the losses. Better yet, a majority of the residents support tearing the theatre down and developing a tax generating facility on that property to benefit all the residents of Lombard, not an exclusive few.
The Friends of the DuPage Theatre’s Oral History program has begun! We are currently videotaping interviews with people who have fond memories of the DuPage Theatre. Photographs, programs, or other theatre momentos are also being sought for our archives. If you would like to participate in our Oral History program or have any items related to the theatre, we would love to hear from you! Contact Pam “Mimi” Pulice at 630-627-6464. Friends of the DuPage Theatre Video Chair
i was raised in Lombard and have a lot of fond memories of the Dupage Theater. currently i am local business owner, Oak Brook, please have someone contact me if there anything i can help with the cause of restoration. my time is limited, but what i can do, i will.
thank you!
john a dixon
(630)871-1516 h / (630)684-0477 w
The DuPage Theatre is now the Dupage Theatre and Arts Centre. May 16th the arts centre will join the village of Lombard in celebrating the Lilac Parade and Festival with the Lilac Family Fun Fest. Popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, moon walk, and games for the kids will be among some of the activities hosted by The Friends of the DuPage Theatre. Visit the theatre before of after the parade and join in on hosted tours discussing the past, present, and future of this “theatre treasure” that has achieved the status on the National Register of Historic Places.
Next event: JUMP, JUNK, & JAVA – Saturday, March 27th
The Friends of the DuPage Theatre are sponsoring an evening of acoustic rock and visual art. Local band, “The 4th Phase” will be performing from 7-10pm. “Junk Drawer,” an exhibit of assemblages in old drawers by Laura Fitzpatrick, will be on display through 4/17/04. Free admission.
The Funky Java Coffee House is where the event will be held, which is located at 40 S. Villa Ave. (corner of St. Charles Rd. & Villa Ave.) in Villa Park, IL. For information, call 630.426.0621 or visit our website at: http://www.dupagetheatre.net