Wheaton should seize this opportunity
The debate over the future of the Wheaton Grand, the 1920s movie palace with a pricey redevelopment plan, is a familiar one.
There's the opportunity argument, the chance to draw tens of thousands of theatergoers downtown, where they would likely enjoy a dinner before and dessert after a show.
That's countered by those who fear it can't be sustained, ultimately requiring public funding to keep it afloat.
Somewhere mixed in, are those who say communities need strong cultural arts offerings vs. others who want local government involved only in the basics of public safety, utilities and roads.
We saw this debate play out in Arlington Heights, where the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre served as a core piece of a lively revitalization that has become the envy of other suburbs.
Wheaton has a unique opportunity community leaders should support.
A skilled team with an excellent track record stands behind the project, intended to become the centerpiece of Wheaton's downtown rebirth.
A consultant questioned the viability of a proposed $19.3 million project that would have expanded the existing theater with hopes of making it a premiere regional attraction. But the report released Wednesday did not question the value of the theater overall. In fact, it supports it.
"If renovated and operated properly, the Wheaton Grand Theater could significantly contribute to the financial health and quality of life for the Wheaton community and surrounding areas," consultant Jim Hirsch wrote in the report.
A team of public officials, private backers and experts regrouped Thursday to look at a scaled-back $10 million plan, which reflects the initial proposal by theater renovation guru Ray Shepardson, who also brings an impressive track record for marketing performing arts facilities.
Wheaton has a special opportunity with Shepardson, whose work was described as "miraculous" in the consultant's report, and former Metropolis Director Tim Rater at the helm.
We agree with the report's observation about the theater's impact. The value of the project is not just a matter of dollars and cents. Cultural arts offerings contribute to quality of life and define the nature of a community.
We have used this space to make this point in 2004, when Arlington Heights decided to purchase the Metropolis to keep it operating, and again this year when Hoffman Estates faced a similar choice. We supported municipal financial support in both cases.
Yet, we echo our position stated in July related to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. "Ultimately, the finances of the thing have to work. The taxpayers must be safeguarded."
Shepardson has said the Wheaton Grand does not need a public subsidy, but it will require a public partnership. We like that approach.
We encourage Wheaton city, park district and business leaders to remain committed to fostering a creative partnership that will give new life to the Wheaton Grand while protecting taxpayers.