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Now that Des Plaines owns a downtown theater, what's next?

The city of Des Plaines finally owns its downtown theater, but don't expect much activity at the building for at least a few months.

Aldermen approved a deal Tuesday to buy the Des Plaines Theatre for nearly $1.3 million on a 7-1 vote. It's a major milestone in the city's yearslong effort to reopen the shuttered Art Deco-style building, which leaders see as the centerpiece for developing a downtown restaurant and entertainment district.

Rivers Casino is a partner in the effort and has entered an agreement to share the costs of buying and renovating the building.

“Even if we don't make money on this facility, it will serve as an attraction to bring people downtown,” said Alderman Malcolm Chester, who previously opposed buying the theater.

Alderman Dick Sayad was the lone opponent of the real estate deal. He has doubts about the city wading into the business of real estate development and entertainment.

“I don't believe that this theater's going to really, really generate as much as we all think,” Sayad said.

Nonetheless, the plan will move forward.

The city has 90 days to perform its due diligence on the property and another 20 days after that to finalize the sale, City Manager Mike Bartholomew said. At that point, Rivers Casino will reimburse the city for half the price of buying the property, per an agreement signed last year.

Next, the city will hire an architect and operator to manage day-to-day operations and book shows. The three parties will determine to what extent the theater needs to be renovated.

Some improvements are required, including bathroom renovations, fire suppression upgrades and accessibility for people with disabilities. Other renovations such as new seating or painting will depend on plans the operator has for the theater.

Bartholomew estimates the renovations will cost between $1.5 million to $2.5 million. Rivers has pledged to pay for half the costs, up to $1 million.

Meanwhile, the city is helping Thai Square Restaurant, an eatery operating at the property, relocate its business, Bartholomew said.

“If you walk past the theater, you might not see anything going on, but rest assured there's working going on behind the scenes,” he added.

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