Managing Editor

At least one Des Plaines aldermen says she is open to the idea of the city having a study conducted to determine whether the downtown Des Plaines Theater building could become a community performing arts center.

Ald. Laura Murphy (3d) last week said that she believes such a study would be an appropriate use of city funds because the Theater building "is a staple of the community". She also said city officials need objective information in order to make future decisions about the 78-year-old building located at Miner and Lee streets.

"Do I favor a study? Yes," said Murphy in response to a question from a Journal reporter. "It's part of our downtown revitalization and it would be an appropriate use of TIF dollars." A Tax Increment Financing Dist. (TIF) is an area designated by a municipality in which future real estate taxes generated during a specific period of time are used to pay for improvements within that area.

Last week, Mayor Tony Arredia hosted an informational meeting in City Hall where approximately 75 local residents discussed the possibility of converting the Theater building into a cultural center. Ideas expressed at the gathering centered around the city or some other entity acquiring the property. The building would be restored to its 1920s appearance when it was built to host Vaudeville performances, plays, movies and other forms of entertainment.

Currently, the theater portion of the building is being used to show Indian and some English speaking movies on weekends, as well as Punk Rock music shows Thursday nights. The building and theater business are privately-owned by separate individuals.

Last December, members of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission (EDC), during a regular public meeting in City Hall, discussed the future use of the Theater property. During that meeting, a consensus was reached among EDC members who requested that the "Committee of the whole of City Council consider researching the possibility of forming a theater district, the possible purchase of the theater building, methods of renovation, types of management structure to make this successful, and the types of uses for a program," according to official minutes.

As of this date, City Council has not formally looked at EDC's request. Last week's information meeting, however, was the beginning of the exploration process, said Mayor Tony Arredia. However, just a few days after the Monday meeting, three council members: Dick Sayad (4th), Tom Becker (6th), and Pat Beauvais (1st), said they are opposed to the city spending any taxpayer money to fund a study or pay for restoration of the theater. They said such an undertaking should be spearheaded by a local grassroots effort, not by the city.

Murphy, in supporting the idea of a study, labeled the possibility of a performing arts center being established there "a wonderful idea." She did say, however, that feedback she has received so far from the public is that there is very little support for such an undertaking at this time.