VISION & HISTORY

A small group of like-minded residents met to discuss the viability of opening a performing arts center in downtown Elmhurst.

While the idea had been considered many times in earlier years, three factors convinced us that the time was right to make a move: a groundswell in talent among theater, music, dance, and comedy already active and on the rise in Elmhurst and surrounding communities; rapid growth of the city, both in terms of increase in residents and business development; and the drive of an experienced group of professionals and business executives who shared a life-long passion for the performing arts.

Led by a board of dedicated professionals with experience in establishing similar ventures in the city of Chicago, commercial architecture, the arts and business, the group set to work on an initial needs survey and business plan to ensure the initiative could work. Fast forward to Spring 2016, and Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) was established as a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization in the state of Illinois.

ANNOUNCEMENT

In July 2016 we announced the ECPA Initiative to the community. At Flight 112 in downtown Elmhurst, we hosted a Summer Patio Party – and quickly moved indoors due to summer showers. The rain didn’t put a damper on the celebration though, as more than 200 supporters crowded into Flight 112 to view beautiful architectural renderings of the building-to-be. The room was full of lively conversations and overwhelming enthusiasm for the project.

In spring of 2017 after the successful raising of funds, ECPA engaged in broad-reaching Feasibility and Economic Impact Study with a top consultant in the theater industry to identify the specifics of Elmhurst’s state-of-the art performing arts center. This study hones in on the specifications of the building to ensure its financial viability and its impact on the town of Elmhurst.

Architect’s Studio, continues to refine the concept drawings and blueprints for the building, more of which you can see here. As well as two theatre spaces and a vibrant lobby, the plans include a “green” rooftop open to the community and available for smaller gatherings or performances.

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood”

– Daniel Burnham

THE FUTURE

We continue to research locations for the proposed building, develop relationships with the city and community leaders, work with performing arts groups to make sure the facility will meet their needs, and share our plans with interested residents of Elmhurst and surrounding communities. We have many events planned for the community. From our presence at Art in the Park where we tye-died t-shirts to our Broadway in Elmhurst Concert, to our annual Galas, we continue to share our delight while gaining the necessary support to move forward. We welcome any gathering with interested parties who will benefit from the ECPA initiative and to celebrate our progress toward the goal of building a venue for theater, music, dance and comedy anchored in the Elmhurst City Centre. There is an exciting journey ahead.