A New Stage for Downtown

While the people of Des Plaines have been intently focused on the rehabilitation of the Des Plaines Theatre since work started in October, a major transformation has been quietly taking place just across the street, at the old Des Plaines Masonic Temple building. Downtown Des Plaines will soon have both a small and a large theatre. 

The three-story Beaux Arts style Temple Building was built in 1924 by the Des Plaines Masonic Lodge 890, for use by itself and various other fraternal organizations, including the Lions Club. It was the largest building in Des Plaines at the time. The architect was Clarence Hatzfeld, a well-known designer of park fieldhouses, Masonic buildings, houses, and commercial buildings. When built, it included a large lodge hall, an auditorium with dance floor, a small lodge hall, several offices, seven stores, a shop, and space for a 4-lane bowling alley that never opened. Limestone decorations on the building's Lee Street side depict various Masonic insignia. 

The Masons remained in the building through about 1955, but the building served many other functions. In its early days, it hosted many dances, performances by local groups and Chicago entertainers, was the site of the debate over whether Des Plaines should adopt the city form of government, was the home to the Des Plaines Post Office from 1925-1930, served the Army Reserve during World War II, was the first home to the Choo-Choo restaurant, was the site of the first meetings of Trinity Lutheran Church, was the home of the Des Plaines Church of Christ, early YMCA classes, and the venerable Des Plaines Theatre Guild from 1963-1992. The Guild Playhouse, as it was called, remodeled the theatre, adding a sloped floor and fixed seating. After 1992, it was home to the Bog Theatre, and then Stage One.

The Khatwani family purchased the building in February, 2007, intending to use it as an investment property, where they would act as landlords to the building's stores, offices, apartments, and performing spaces. Six months later, the City of Des Plaines began looking at the property and its neighbors as a potential site for a new police station. The city remained interested for almost two years, until it was clear it would not be able to afford such a project.

With the departure of the ten-year occupant of the building's theatre, Stage One Productions, at the end of last year, the Khatwanis were faced with a challenge of what to do with the building. They quickly decided that their best course of action in today's economic climate was a major reinvestment, more than $95,000, into the building, which will soon be renamed "Leela Arts Center." Leela refers to a Hindu concept of acting. 

The family succeeded in renting all the stores in the building, adding Pop O Licious Popcorn and a sign and graphics shop. In fact, the building is now fully leased except for four offices on the third floor and the three event spaces. All three spaces - the auditorium, the 49-seat banquet hall, and the small third floor hall - are available for rental.

The focus, however, is on the building's jewel, the auditorium, with 180 seats on the floor and 60 in the balcony. It has been entirely redecorated in Art Deco-inspired shades of gray, silver, blue, and black, with new carpets, a remodeled stage with new curtain, repairs to the plumbing and air conditioning systems, and extensive cleaning of backstage areas. Dan Tomko, formerly of the Bog Theatre, is serving as a consultant. The biggest change is the seats. Kamal Khatwani personally drove a 26 foot truck from a recently closed theatre in Michigan to deliver them to his family's building, then cleaned them to like-new condition. Khatwani hopes to continue improving the building as it generates income.
While the 800+ seat Des Plaines Theatre across the street continues its renovations, Khatwani isn't concerned. "We're not in competition; we are complementary. There's enough space for a big theatre and an intimate one," he said. If all goes to plan, Miner & Lee will soon be known as an entertainment destination.

"Being a part of downtown Des Plaines and building such a great venue is a statement of pride for the Khatwani family."

Parties interested in renting the facilities at the Leela Arts Center should contact Kamal Khatwani at info@leelaac.com.