Arcada Theatre shut down for code violations

The building that houses the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada in St. Charles was shut down Thursday due to code violations that included electrical issues such as exposed wires in the basement, according to city officials and Arcada Theatre CEO and President Ron Onesti.

The building will be shut down until the violations are fixed, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles. Onesti said the repairs are just “housekeeping” and the Arcada should be open Friday night.

“We've never had one issue in 14 years I've been here,” Onesti said. “Now as the building gets to a certain age, there's certain things that have to be replaced.

“I'm grateful to the city for this assessment because it allows our customers to be 100 percent safe,” he said.

The city gave Onesti the notice around 4 p.m., which he said didn't give him enough time to get repairs done tonight.

The Arcada's website shows tonight's Jackyl concert is postponed. No notices appear with the shows that follow beginning Friday night.

“One of the covers from the electrical system came off and we won't let anyone into the building until it is 100% safe!” the Arcada posted on Facebook. “We will be working all night and as long as it takes to make it safe!”

In November 2018, the fire department received complaints about overcrowding, accessibility of building exits and an inability to hear the fire alarm during a performance, according to the city's release.

The fire department found the complaints valid, issued notices to correct the issues and scheduled a complete inspection for March.

The in-depth inspection was performed March 12 by a third-party consulting company and St. Charles officials. The inspection revealed the building, which has been open since 1934, needed to be closed, according to the release.

The three other businesses operating in the building haven't been closed.