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.
KEY STUDIES CONDUCTED
In July 2016 we announced the ECPA initiative to the community and the western suburbs. Our strategy was simple. Raise funds to conduct important studies and confirm that a state-of-the-art performing arts center would be fiscally viable and learn details which will help mold what ECPA would become to best serve the community and its needs.
In the spring of 2017 after the successful raising of funds, ECPA engaged (with the City of Elmhurst) 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
LOCATION FOUND!
Once the Feasibility Study confirmed that ECPA would be financially viable and we identified the facility would meet the needs of our community, our facility committee kicked into gear looking for the perfect location. We were pleased to announce in early 2019 that we found it! The building covering the area between 109 and 119 West 1st Ave, directly across from the Elmhurst train station, fit the bill perfectly. This location allows us to build a theater complex that we can all be proud of. As a not-for-profit organization, it is now up to us to raise the important funds to purchase the space and to build the center. It will be many years before construction takes place. Staying diligent, and with the support of the community and the western suburbs, we are well positioned to gain the funds needed. Any business, person or entity can help reach out goal by supporting us here.
THE FUTURE
We have many events planned for the community. From our presence at Art in the Park, where we shared information about our status, to our produced shows such as the Broadway in Elmhurst Concert or by bringing ComedySportz in to Elmhurst, 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.
