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Des Plaines could condemn historic theater in order to save it

Dormant for more than two years, the Des Plaines Theatre is the topic of discussion once more as city officials contemplate what to do with the historic structure.

One idea, proposed by Alderman Malcolm Chester, is to have the city condemn the privately owned property at 1476 Miner St., and after gaining ownership, solicit proposals from developers — including those who would keep the 91-year-old Art Deco-style building as a theater.

Chester said in an interview Thursday he believes going to court would put pressure on theater owner Dhitu Bhagwakar, who hasn't fixed building code issues that led the city to shut down the building on Jan. 15, 2014.

“I personally believe we should just bite the bullet and move for condemnation if he's not going to (do anything). The theater is essential to downtown,” Chester said. “To let a theater built in the 1920s deteriorate is unconscionable. Every month we delay is another month the facility deteriorates more.

“There is a point of no return where it doesn't make sense to restore it anymore. I'd hate to see it reach that point.”

Bhagwakar didn't return a call Thursday but has said in the past he can't make additional improvements without financial assistance from the city.

City Manager Mike Bartholomew told aldermen at Tuesday's city council meeting he's hoping to present a plan to the council in the coming months about what to do with the theater.

In an interview, Bartholomew said that plan would likely be discussed with aldermen in closed session. Bartholomew did say one option that won't be part of his plan is providing city funds to Bhagwakar.

Bhagwakar has said he spent $350,000 on renovations since purchasing the building in 2003. Des Plaines provided nearly $15,000 as part of its facade improvement grant program in 2011.

In 2014, the city sent out a request for interest and qualifications document to potential theater owners and operators in an effort to get the theater open. Two people responded: Ron Onesti, who successfully revived the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles, and Jack Groat, organizer of the Elk Grove Farmers Market and Little Boots Rodeo. But the decision on who should operate the theater or whether to sell the building was up to Bhagwakar, and nothing has happened since.

Chester said he's spoken with another party who hoped to restore the theater and host entertainment that would include singers, dance troupes and theater companies. Storefront spaces in the theater building fronting Lee and Miner streets would be host to bars and restaurants.

Alderman Patti Haugeberg, whose 1st Ward includes the theater, cautioned against spending public money to save the theater.

“It's not up to the taxpayers to do it,” she said. “When other municipalities have gotten involved (in their downtown theaters), it hasn't turned out well.”

Malcolm Chester
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