The City of St. Charles and Downtown St. Charles Partnership have announced an initiviative to help renovate the marquee at the historic Arcada Theatre. 

Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

The purpose of this project is to refurbish and enhance the exterior appearance of the historic Arcada Theatre in order to fulfill goals included in the City’s 2014 Strategic Plan, including: 

• Preserve the charm and character of St. Charles as a captivating community.
• Promote responsible business development and redevelopment.
• Encourage and promote an array of arts, cultures, and businesses to contribute an eclectic and lively feel to the downtown.
• Plan proactively and progressively with community and business partners for a continuing dynamic downtown.

The primary means of funding this project will be SSA 1-B proceeds, a special taxing district that only applies to properties in the downtown. The funding for the project is similar to the City’s facade improvement program that is available to downtown property owners. Should there be insufficient proceeds available from SSA 1-B, the intent is to pay the remainder from a proposed 5% admissions tax that would apply to performances at the Arcada Theatre.  

The City and Downtown Partnership will fund the work. The Partnership is providing a $2,500 grant through its signage, awning, and lighting program. The City will cover the balance. Ron Onesti, owner of Onesti Entertainment and operator of the Arcada Theatre, is required to reimburse the City for 50% of the cost of the work by collecting contributions through a non-profit Arcada Foundation that he is currently working to establish.  

There are benefits to the City assisting with this project. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits to the downtown, Mr. Onesti believes that the improved marquee will help him to attract additional “top notch” talent and draw additional patrons to the venue. This will generate additional visitors and the resulting economic impact for downtown businesses.

Additionally, the City and Partnership will be able to use the marquee for informational and governmental messages about our programs, services, or events. This will be mandated by the agreement and will serve to communicate better with residents, visitors, and others who pass by the theater. Many communities have these types of signs at their city hall or municipal center. Our setting doesn’t allow us to have our own sign, and, even if it did, the sign would be expensive to install and operate. Cooperating with the Arcada on this is a great opportunity for collaboration and improving communication to the community.

It has been reported that the east face of the marquee was damaged by a truck that backed into it. The truck that damaged the marquee fled the scene and the offender was not identified. It was a basic hit and run. Therefore, there is no insurance claim to be filed. Additionally, it is my understanding that the damage was relatively minor and repairing it would have been akin to putting new doorhandles on a jalopy – it just isn’t worth the investment to repair something that really needs more significant renovation.

At the present time, the agreement that spells out the obligations of all parties is being drafted. Once all parties have approved the document, it will be presented to the City Council with a final cost estimate and the sources of funding.