Elmhurst Theater, Apartment Concept Expected This Summer

ELMHURST, IL – A group pushing a performing arts center and big apartment complex in downtown Elmhurst is planning to present its concept to city officials later this summer.

In the spring, the Encore Center for Performing Arts named Mark George as its president. He is the former longtime president and CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago.

Encore hopes to build a 550-seat theater and a 185-unit apartment building in the 100 block of West First Street.

Previously, the group teamed up with Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies, which has built other buildings in Elmhurst, including the Vyne on Haven apartment complex.

However, in an interview Monday, George said Ryan backed out of the project in March. The developer could not reach an agreement with the city on the money it could receive from the downtown tax increment financing district, or TIF, he said.

After that, developers lined up for the project, George said. A couple of weeks ago, he said, a company signed a letter of intent with Encore.

At this point, George said he was not at liberty to identify the developer.

George said he expected the apartment complex to be four to six stories.

The project would mean the demolition of existing buildings on much of the block.

Teaming up with a developer, George said, makes the project economically possible. Without the partnership, the nonprofit group must raise $60 million, as opposed to about $25 million, he said.

"It's in the best interest of the developer to have a nonprofit as an anchor for the project," George said. "There truly is a community interest. Developers are happy to work with us."

As for financing, Mayor Scott Levin said in his 2025 campaign that money from the special tax district would be appropriate. He said the theater would be a "boon" for Elmhurst's economy.

According to Encore's study, the project's yearly economic impact would be $8.2 million. The center is expected to bring $692,000 a year in taxes on sales, food, beverages and hotels. Of that, $202,000 would directly benefit the city of Elmhurst, according to the study.

Over the last year, residents have spoken out against the project during City Council meetings. They object to the proliferation of tall downtown apartment buildings, as well as the traffic and related issues.

Encore plans four meetings with residents next month, along with tours of the proposed site.

George said he is willing to sit down and speak with people about their concerns.

"It's not uncommon for people to tell me how much they love Elmhurst," he said. "I want to do a lot of listening."

Encore wants children, seniors and veterans, among other groups, to benefit from the performing arts center's space.

"You can't have a show 365 days a year," he said.

On the schedule

Encore Center for Performing Arts plans community meetings on its plan at 5 p.m. July 8, 10 a.m. July 9, 5 p.m. July 21 and 10 a.m. July 22.

Participants will meet on the north side of the Metra platform outside of Pilot Pete's at 128 W. First St. (In case of bad weather, check social media for updates.)

They will take a walking tour of the proposed site. Evening events will include a beverage at Tannins Wine Bar & Boutique, while morning excursions will feature a pre-walk beverage from Pilot Pete's.