By Dee Longfellow
In a recent meeting with the powers-that-be at the Elmhurst Performing Arts Centre (ECPA), executive director Shawna Roubichek and board treasurer Laura Michaud told the Independent in an exclusive interview that the ECPA had acquired another building to the west, which will allow the center to “reach around the corner” and onto Addison St.
The first piece of property was 109-119 First Street, which was secured by a contract.
“It gives us first right of refusal,” Michaud said. “When the Friends of ECPA bought the first building, it became available before we were ready.”
When the landowners found out contiguous property was owned by George and Sally Sotos, the ECPA went to ask if they had any intent for the building going into the future.
Apparently, the Sotoses were willing to help advance the ECPA project. (The Sotos were reached, but were out of town and said they would be able to offer comments in a later issue.)
“Working with the Sotos, we secured 121-131 W. First Street and around the corner to 101-107 No. Addison St.,” said Michaud. “The building had been in their family for generations.”
She said 109-131 First Street and 101-107 Addison were separate parcels. The extra building site will allow for more space and more flexibility.
“People may not know, we also own part of the area behind the buildings,” Michaud added. “We have tried to be hypersensitive to the people who are now living in the area.”
The latest news at the ECPA is that they plan to add another staff person to assist Roubichek in the day-to-day operations and with planning special events and fundraisers.
“We have more than doubled our Board of Directors,” Roubichek said.
She noted that there will be a need for more restaurants and bars, once the ECPA is up and running, especially to promote daytrips.
“We did a study in 2017 that indicated that every person in a seat brought $49.50 to the local economy,” Michaud said. “That number is now $65. And it can only go up.”
“We will be able to have a marquee right on First Street,” Roubicheck said. “People will see it from the train. More details will be announced at the upcoming gala.”
At this time, the ECPA Spotlight Gala is planned for Saturday, April 15 at River Forest Country Club. More details about the buildings and the progress of the Board will be announced at that time. Until then, watch your mailbox for an invitation.
