Des Plaines expected to make final offer on shuttered downtown theater

Des Plaines could soon be making a final offer on buying the city's shuttered downtown theater.

Aldermen are expected to give the city permission Monday to make a reasonable, final offer for the Des Plaines Theatre at 1476 Miner St.

If the theater's owner turns it down, the next step might be to seek control of the property through eminent domain, the power of the city to take private property for public use. The city council would need to approve the move in a separate vote.

The theater has sat vacant for the past three years since being shut down over code violations. Recently, the city entered a preliminary agreement with Rivers Casino to buy and renovate the theater. Casino owners have pledged to pitch in up to $2 million.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday at city hall, 1420 Miner St.