Des Plaines plans next steps on theater takeover
Now that plans have been announced for Des Plaines and Rivers Casino to acquire and renovate the historic Des Plaines Theatre, both sides will spend the next couple months drafting a contract that would formalize the public-private partnership, officials said.
Ultimately, it will be up to the 8-member city council whether to take the deal.
City Manager Mike Bartholomew said he met recently with Rivers' management and their attorney to begin writing a formal memorandum of understanding that lays out the rights and responsibilities of each side. The Des Plaines-based casino in August agreed in concept to provide up to $2 million in matching funds for the acquisition and renovation of the theater, and another $50,000 per year for five years for theater programming.
Bartholomew said he hasn't yet spoken with theater owner Dhitu Bhagwakar, but would plan to make a formal purchase offer if and when the council approves the deal with Rivers.
The theater has been closed since January 2014 due to building code issues.