A proposal to give the Alcyon Foundation 90 days to formalize detailed plans for its bid to renovate the shuttered Highland Park Theater is on the agenda when the City Council meets at 8 p.m. Monday at City Hall.
The theater has been closed since May, 2012, when the City closed it along with the Port Clinton Parking Garage because of a failed fire inspection. The garage reopened soon thereafter.
If approved, the private organization will have the exclusive right for 90 days develop a plan with drawings, renderings models and detailed financial information. Either the City or Alcyon can terminate the agreement at any time with a 15-day notice, according to a City memorandum.
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The (Alcyon) Foundation is committed to advancing the arts through both family friendly and adult programming and community engagement activities,” the organization said on its website. “By developing a multi-use performance theatre, innovative programming and a private event rental facility, the Foundation hopes to create a thriving economic environment for the downtown Highland Park business district and improve the quality of life of its residents.”
Movies would only be part of the entertainment which would also include music, dance and film festivals, according to the City’s memorandum. It plans to finance the project in part with community fundraising.
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The proposal is currently set on the Council’s omnibus agenda which means it will get a vote without discussion unless a member of the Council specifically asks for debate.
A budget workshop, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Monday, is also on the agenda.
Want Highland Park news in your inbox? Subscribe to Patch's newsletter. Then, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
