Path forward for Liberty Theater site? Village ‘committed’ to improving downtown gateway
Although a key requirement was narrowly rejected by the village board last week, there may be a path forward for redevelopment of the former Liberty Theater and property as a northern gateway to downtown Libertyville.
“There may be an option for it to be brought back with modifications and we’re evaluating that,” said Heather Rowe, community development director.
The village is looking forward to bringing new life to the property but the next step hasn’t been determined.
Because it’s in a designated historic district, any change to the exterior requires a certificate of appropriateness. But because the request wasn't a zoning matter, conditions couldn’t be added to an approval.
Some who voted against a COA, cited a lack of signed agreements with neighboring property owners for long-term access through the theater property to trash and delivery services as a consideration. Days later, a statement was posted on the village website.
“The mayor and village board remain committed to working with the property owner to improve the theater property but is concerned that neighboring business owners not having easement access for deliveries is an important issue that should be addressed,” the statement reads.
Village officials said they hope the theater owner will work with them to resolve the issue as delivery access “is an important part of the survival of all businesses in the downtown business district.”
The 1930s-era theater on 1.2 acres at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave. has been unoccupied and boarded up for about four years. Revamping the prominent property is a village priority, but getting that done has been a long, frustrating process for both sides.
Vee Enterprise, on behalf of the property’s owner, was seeking a COA for new building facades, landscaping and lighting. The project would repurpose the theater for two restaurants with a single-story commercial building to the north and a three-story building with apartments on the upper floors.
A main issue has been how the project would fit with the rest of the downtown. Any construction, demolition or additions in the historic district need a COA for the exterior appearance.
Revisions were made after a presentation last December, but a majority of the advisory historic preservation commission recommended against, saying more could be done. Despite that finding, developers opted to pursue a determination from the village board.
The result was a 3-3 village board vote. Mayor Donna Johnson cast the deciding vote against issuing a COA.
Johnson said she applauded the effort to improve “a boarded up, rundown, desolate corner” but the plan needed tweaking.
“It’s a good effort but I don’t believe we’re quite there yet,” she said.
Supporters said Vee Enterprise has been responsive in adjusting the design.
“They’ve done everything they possibly can to move this project forward,” said Trustee Matthew Hickey.
Developers say the building has been substantially altered and original elements, like the distinctive Art Deco vertical sign, were removed generations ago. Signage would require a different type of review and approval and was not included in the COA application.
As presented, the revised vision is the best effort to memorialize some detail in a contemporary design and integrate the past and present, according to information supplied to the village.