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 the western suburbs; 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 Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA), previously known as the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts 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 financially feasible 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. In partnership with the City of Elmhurst, this Feasibility and Economic Impact study was updated and results are now available HERE.
Architect’s Studio created conceptual drawings for the building as well as two theatre spaces and a vibrant lobby, the visionary 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. Just one year later an additional building was added with a footprint that adds up to nearly 1 acre. This location allows us to build a theater complex that meets our needs and that we can all be proud of. As a not-for-profit organization, it is now up to us to raise the important funds. 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
From our presence at Elmhurst’s Art in Wilder Park and Pride Fest to Hinsdale’s Fine Arts Festival and Music Under the Stars, we continue to share information about our status and our future while supporting our vibrant artistic communities. Our programming of the new “An Intimate Evening with…” series, annual fundraisers such as Winter Carolers, Hearts for the Arts, and annual Spotlight Giving Gala, share our delight in the performing arts and showcase national talent while gaining the necessary support needed 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, comedy, and events anchored in the Elmhurst City Centre.
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