Journal Reporter

The downtown Des Plaines Theatre is safe---for now.

City Council members Monday night voted to impose a 60-day moratorium on issuing a demolition permit for the building to allow the Des Plaines Theatre Preservation Society time to regroup.

The moratorium was the result of rumors that the theatre building had been or would soon be sold to an as-yet unnamed party

"We have heard that there's a new offer on the building," said Theatre Preservationist John Kleinschmidt," and that the closing date is June 10."

At Monday's City Council meeting in City Hall, aldermen passed a motion preventing demolition of the building for 60 days or until a decision is made on the historical status of the building. However, that decision could be a long time in coming.

Douglas Bryan Bean, secretary of the Preservation Society, said that it could take as long as three years for the building to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Springfield has decided that it is a good candidate for the National Register," said Bean. "But now we have to wait for the survey from the Register. It could take as little as six months, or as long as three years for their decision." Bean was optimistic about the moratorium.

"It will allow the Society to obtain more grants," he said.

Once placed on the National Register, a building is protected and cannot be torn down, though it can be sold.

Ald. Don Smith (7th) expressed support of the Preservation Society Monday night.

"I think the City should cooperate as much as possible with the preservationists," he said. "I think we should make a decision tonight."

However, not all Council members were interested in supporting the efforts of the preservationists.

"We're being asked to buy a building for $1.2 million during a time when local theatres aren't doing that well," said Ald. Rosemary Argus (8th). "We had the owner of the Pickwick Theatre [in Park Ridge] in here last time and when asked if he would buy the Des Plaines Theatre he said he, 'didn't want another headache.'"

Ald. Dick Sayad (4th) said that if a bank were to certify the preservationists' financial plan as promising, then he would be more comfortable backing it.

"I think any bank would tell you that our plan will work," replied Bean, "with the help of the City government."

Third ward Ald. Laura Murphy said that the Council lacked the facts necessary to make an informed decision.

"We need an independent feasibility study," she said. "I suggest that we have one during the moratorium. The City could pay for the study with TIF funds."

Murphy's motion would have authorized up to $25,000 of TIF money for the feasibility study. She asked if the Preservation Society could share the cost of the study with the City.

Bean responded that, while the Society was not in a position to do so at this time, they will try.

Des Plaines resident Bob Suriano voiced his opposition to any public money being used in the project.

"Des Plaines is not a city of the arts," he said. "I love theatres too, but I don't want to see the City stuck with an old theatre, just like we're stuck with the old library, or the new library. I don't think that the City should fund or guarantee a loan. This is a special interest group stepping in front of the City budget. If they want to do this, they should put up their own money."

Subsequent motions for the City to fund or partially fund a feasibility study failed, even though Murphy reminded visitors and the Council that, "TIF money can't be used anywhere but in the downtown area."

"A feasibility study wouldn't change my mind," said Ald. Pat Beauvais (1st). "This is an ethical decision and people want to see the theatre building preserved. Many are of the same train of thought: there's nothing to do in our downtown."

Aldermen commended the preservationists for being able to gain support and involvement from the community. About 75 people were in attendance at the meeting in support of or in opposition to the preservationists efforts.

"I have to commend the Preservation Society," said Ald. Carla Brookman (5th). "The sense of community they have engendered is almost palpable."