As reopening nears, Des Plaines council OKs nearly $1 million in the theater improvements

The Des Plaines city council on Monday unanimously approved nearly $1 million in upgrades for the Des Plaines Theatre, the shuttered 1925 Art Deco-style building at the center of downtown revitalization efforts.

The city bought the theater at 1476 Miner St. for $1.3 million in 2018 as part of a cost-sharing deal with Rivers Casino. The latest upgrades, totaling $961,810, include an HVAC installation, a steel lintel installation, a south roof replacement and a structural steel purchase.

They are part of a renovation that will cost about $8 million.

City Manager Michael Bartholomew, who also is the project manager for the theater rehab, said officials hope to finish the renovation by late summer or early fall.

"We're going to try to get it all done all at once," Bartholomew said.

Crews are working on the stage part now and the marquee is probably about 90% done, he said. Installation of a new roof, renovation of the basement and making sure the elevator travels to every floor remain to be done.

First Ward Alderman Mark Lysakowski said the building needs the major upgrades to be structurally sound. He and other city officials are hoping the renovated theater, which is located in his ward, will bring crowds downtown.

"I think it's vital for downtown Des Plaines to be able to bring in residents," he said. "I'm looking forward to it opening in the fall - I can't wait."

When the theater does open, it will be operated by Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment Corporation, who reached a five-year lease agreement with the city last year.

"Onesti is consulting with us on what he will need to have a successful theater," Bartholomew said.

Last month, Onesti announced he is moving his Evanston speak-easy, Bourbon 'N Brass, to the second floor of the theater. The speak-easy will offer food and more than 100 bourbons and whiskeys.

"I look forward to bringing world-class entertainment and a unique dining experience to such a historic landmark," Onesti said in a statement.

The historic theater began with vaudeville performances in 1925, then became a first-run movie house in 1935, playing movies until it closed in January 2014.