Tax deductible donations can also be mailed to:
Egyptian Theatre
Attn: Expansion Project
135 N. 2nd Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
“90 years….and more to come”
Phase One – Priority Patron Amenities and Air-conditioning
Size: approx. 4,200 sq ft (2 stories with basement)
28 ft addition to the south in Palmer Ct. (85 ft long starting from west end)
Project Cost: $6.5 million
Completion Date: Summer 2020
Description: Increase size of public restrooms on first and second floor to meet current recommended standards. Increase the size of the concession stand to maximize serving stations and add in-house liquor license. Add concession stand on second floor for balcony. Provide ADA accessibility in restrooms and at concession stand. New historically appropriate carpet throughout theatre.
Impact:
- Acquire liquor license that would increase programming opportunities and generate additional revenue. Currently estimated at $100,000 in additional gross revenue each year.
- Ability to accommodate larger audiences on a regular basis, more comfortably and efficiently.
- More environmentally friendly theatre with lighting and water upgrades.
- Offer year round programming with the addition of air-conditioning.
- Become a sought after summer wedding venue with the addition of air-conditioning.
- Ability to maintain historic facility with temperature control in regards to heat and humidity resulting in improved preservation and lower maintenance costs.
- Provides inclusivity through ADA improvements at concessions and all restrooms.
- Builds upon existing competitive advantages compared to other performance venues in the region.
| Existing | Proposed | |
| Main Floor – Women’s | 3 Stalls / 2 Sinks | 14 Stalls / 8 Sinks |
| Main Floor – Men’s | 3 Stalls / 2 Sinks / 3 Urinals | 4 Stalls / 5 Sinks / 10 Urinals |
| Mezzanine – Women’s | 2 Stalls / 2 Sinks | 6 Stalls / 4 Sinks |
| Mezzanine – Men’s | 1 Stall / 1 Sink / 1 Urinal |
3 Stalls / 3 Sinks / 5 Urinals |
| Main Floor – Concessions | 2 Stations | 4 Stations |
| Mezzanine – Concessions | 0 Stations | 2 Stations |
Project Architect: Lisa Sharp – Sharp Architects, Inc.
Project Construction Manager: Steve Irving – Irving Construction Co., Inc.
Project Team:
Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical Engineer: RTM Associates
Structural Engineer: Hutter Trankina Engineering
Acoustical Engineer: Soundscape Engineering
Civil Engineer: C.E.S. Inc.
Food & Beverage Consultant: Clevenger Associates
Interior Designer: Elevated Edge Interiors
Timeline of Events
December 18, 2018 – DeKalb City Council approves $2.5 million in TIF funding towards project
December 19, 2018 – Egyptian Theatre Board of Directors approves contracts with Sharp Architects and Irving Construction.
January 7, 2019 – Engineering and preliminary design work begins
February 20, 2019 – City of DeKalb Planning & Zoning Commission approval
March 11, 2019 – DeKalb City Council approve property conveyance to Egyptian Theatre for expansion
May 1, 2019 – Groundbreaking ceremony (90 years to the day after construction started on the existing building)
July 1, 2019 – Removal of existing heating system, fans and ductwork begins.
July 15, 2019 – Digging begins and concrete is poured for first new footing.
August 12, 2019 – Shoring installation begins for addition.
August 30, 2019 – Concrete pouring begins for foundation wall footings.
September 25, 2019 – New auditorium air handlers are craned into the addition basement.
September 27, 2019 – First floor precast panels installed.
October 10, 2019 – Second floor precast panels installed.
November 5, 2019 – Roof of addition completed.
December 12, 2019 – Drywall installation in bathrooms begins
January 10. 2020 – Final break-through from existing building to new expansion is made
February 3, 2020 – Decorative tile work begins in first floor women’s bathoom
February 25, 2020 – Old basement stairs are removed
March 3, 2020 – Urinals, toilets and hand dryers are installed in first floor restrooms
March 10, 2020 – Tile work begins in second floor restrooms
March 17, 2020 – Hard Hat Tours move to Facebook Live due to COVID-19
March 25, 2020 – Existing concessions stand is emptied and demoed
April 2, 2020 – Existing first floor restrooms are demoed
April 23, 2020 – New popcorn machines delivered
May 6, 2020 – Wood doors go up on partitions in restrooms
May 13, 2020 – First & second floor store front windows installed on new addition
May 27, 2020 – First day of air conditioning in 90 years!
June 15, 2020 – Final concrete poured reconnecting Palmer Court to 2nd Street
July 1, 2020 – Food service equipment install complete
Tax deductible donations can also be mailed to:
Egyptian Theatre
Attn: Expansion Project
135 N. 2nd Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
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