The preservationists are seeking to convince theater owners Dhitendra "Dhitu" Bhagwakar and his brother Darmess to sign a document agreeing that the building should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Paul Saletnik of the Des Plaines Theater Preservation said Bhagwakar's attorney wants more time to review the advantages and disadvantages of such a designation.

The building qualifies for the registry but the owner must agree. If the theater owners agree to the deal, they become eligible for tax breaks and benefits. Any building changes must be reviewed by state and federal officials.

"But the most important factor is the old axiom in real estate - location, location, location," Saletnik said. He added that since people respect the prestige of the register, having the property listed in the registry would actually increase the property value.

There has been some suspicion that the building may be a target for demolition by city officials who hope to include the property in a downtown development plan.

The last official action by the city occurred on Jan. 19 when aldermen approve a motion to set up a meeting with the preservation society and the theater owner. Saletnik said city inspectors used "a fine-tooth comb" at that meeting searching for possible code violations to the building. He added that several were found and corrected by the owners.

A feasibility study to determine if the building should be restored and used as a performing arts center is on hold. The city would finance such a study. The feasibility study would cost as much as $60,000.

Last summer, the City Council issued a 60-day writ blocking the demolition of the building. The property includes a vacant Fannie May candy store and a Mexican restaurant, Burrito Express.