The office of U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th), which helped Waukegan secure the grant from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, said it will help Des Plaines possibly secure a similar grant for renovation of the Des Plaines Theater, if asked.

"We'd be more than happy to work with Des Plaines," said Dodie McCracken, spokesperson for Kirk. "This ought to be explored."

A ceremony was scheduled to be held Tuesday where Kirk presented the check in the amount of $1,496,700 to Waukegan Mayor Richard Hyde.

According to Kirk's office, the money is to "be used for architectural planning and construction costs related to the renovation of Waukegan's historic Genesee Theater." In addition, said Kirk, the federal funds will be used "toward enhancing the arts and unlocking the economic potential of downtown Waukegan."