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Editorial: Antioch Theatre rebirth more than a victory for nostalgia

In our bigger-is-better world, small businesses often take a beating.

That's particularly true of one-screen movie theaters that were once staples of community downtowns. Mostly they have disappeared from today's suburbs, as owners found it difficult to compete with giant multiplexes that offer many more movie choices and a glitzier experience complete with reclining chairs and a nice merlot.

And, that's what makes the renovation of the old Antioch Theatre, and the community effort that supported the project, so noteworthy and an experience worth saluting.

Sure, it's a victory for nostalgia, joining the Liberty Theatre in Libertyville and the Catlow in Barrington as another old movie house rebirth.

But the public-private partnership that spurred the project's success also shows early signs of being a catalyst for other downtown Antioch improvements. The approach could make it a project worth watching by others looking for ways to boost their downtown improvement efforts.

Tim Downey launched the $750,000 plan to rehab the theater building, where deteriorating conditions, slumping attendance and outdated equipment had put it on the endangered list. It was built in 1919 as the Majestic Theatre, a live performance house, and it was converted to the Antioch Theatre five years later. It was never a grand movie house, but it had been a downtown fixture for generations of residents.

Downey invested $300,000 of his own money, found four core sponsors to contribute $150,000, and sold engraved sidewalk stars. With what they said was a "degree of reluctance," village board members agreed to provide a $200,000 loan, supported by a village-backed 75-cents per-ticket tax. In a town with a tight budget, like many of its neighbors, and concerns about offering overly generous tax incentives, it was no small gesture.

However, the roll of the dice for all involved seems to be paying off.

The updated version with new seats, restrooms, carpeting, facade, marquee, digital technology and more attracted some 40,000 moviegoers in the first year since the reopening, Downey said. That generated enough money for him to make monthly payments - he's repaid nearly $30,000 - on the 10-year village note.

Village officials and downtown supporters alike said the Antioch Theatre project has been good for the downtown. It has sparked renovations at some other downtown businesses, boosted foot traffic that is aiding other nearby businesses by bringing people to the area and it is helping renew interest in a downtown development initiative. It is once again a vital part of the village's historic downtown district, they say.

"It's fun to report my confidence in the community and the community's confidence in me has paid off," Downey told the Daily Herald's Mick Zawislak.

What the born-again Antioch Theatre shows is that one little project with a motivated developer, a local government willing to take a chance and a supportive community can help spark big things.

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