I applaud the supporters of Lombard’s DuPage Theatre and the Wheaton Grand Theater (downtown Wheaton) for preserving the architectural heritage of DuPage. In a time before the dominance of television (much less the internet, DVD players and TiVo), theaters were a central place in this country for both entertainment and news - and offered much more than today’s movie previews and feature presentation. My father grew up in New York City, and I remember his stories of going to the theater for the better part of a day to see a series of movies and newsreels, all for the price of a nickel.
Finding modern uses for older rehabilitated structures honors our past, provides continuity with our future, and reminds us in our daily lives of our heritage. And once you get past all of that, many old theaters are just plain fascinating and beautiful - like DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre.
Particularly in the case of Lombard’s 1920s DuPage Theatre (discussed in today’s Chicago Tribune), I look forward to a visible improvement in a section of land that has looked blighted for as long as I have noticed it (over six years now, and likely it has been much longer for local residents). With its downtown location and close proximity to the Metra train station (a transportation advantage I hope they maximize) the DuPage Theater is well positioned to become a real DuPage treasure, with plans to host a non-profit film and cultural arts center, as well as have restaurant, retail and meeting space. Not everyone is supportive of the restoration (read comments) and I have not looked at the finances, but I hope private individuals, particularly the citizens of Lombard, will step up and realize the civic, as well as commercial value in beautifying such a prominent and strategic location in Lombard.
Post a Comment