DuPage Theatre Renovation Set for October Premier

LOMBARD, IL-The Alter Group starts work in October on “bringing back the stars” to the historic DuPage Theatre and Arts Centre in this west suburb’s Downtown. The first portion of the $6.2-million restoration and renovation involves adding 6,300 sf of retail space, including 4,500 sf on Main Street earmarked for a restaurant.

Work on the facade and marquee, as well as creating retail space, will go a long way toward motivating individual donors to support the project, according to the nonprofit DuPage Theatre Foundation, which will operate the refurbished facility. “People need to see progress,” says foundation chairman Martin Carroll.

Ultimately, the foundation hopes to complete the renovation in three years. That will include adding second-floor shops, a renovation of the 76-year-old theater’s interior and storage space. Inside, the 14,000-sf theatre will be used for cultural performances, as well as films. The renovation is intended to “bring back the stars,” restoring the original moonlit sky motif when Paramount built the theatre in 1928.