The village will continue exploring plans to erect a performing arts center in Downers Grove.
After reviewing research by the Civic/Performing Arts Center Review Team-made up of residents and village employees-Village Council members have agreed that a need for the center exists. The proposed center would serve community and traveling performing groups, as well as provide a base for local meetings and other events.
Review team members acknowledged their research showed no lack of such facilities in the area. If built, consultant firm Morris Erie Myers estimated 35 events annually at the arts center.
But if they build it, more events will come, said John Morris of MEM. The construction of a community-based facility, rather than one that serves several towns, would encourage more groups to use the proposed arts center, Morris said.
Even with philosophical support, however, funding for such a center “may not be feasible,” said Mayor Betty Cheever.
In hopes of cutting costs, consultants will spend the next two months study whether joint developments-such as with the Downers Grove Public Library or the owners of the Tivoli Theater-might provide space for the proposed center.