Lombard, IL
Demolition crews will be on standby at the site of the DuPage Theatre today and may raze what remains of the partially demolished movie house.

The Second District Appellate Court on Wednesday denied a request from theater supporters seeking a temporary restraining order blocking the demolition.

Members of the Friends of the DuPage Theatre group believe the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Historical Preservation Agency haven't taken adequate steps to preserve the long-embattled theater.

Attorneys representing Lombard and the Friends group met with DuPage Circuit Judge Kenneth Popejoy much of Wednesday. Theater fans had hoped to convince Popejoy to extend his temporary restraining order until the Illinois Supreme Court can decide if it wants to hear the case.

But Popejoy denied that request. His protective order expires at 3 p.m. today. The 79-year-old theater could become rubble unless the Illinois Supreme Court intervenes before that hour.

Mark Daniel, attorney for the Friends group, said he will work feverishly toward a last-minute rescue. However, he recognized there’s nothing right now standing in the way of the wrecking ball come today’s deadline.

“In some respects, it’s a longer life than the theater would have had otherwise,” Daniel said.

Lombard Village Manager Bill Lichter said the village is well-prepared to proceed with the demolition.

“There will be (demolition) equipment on the (DuPage Theater) site,” Lichter said.

Commuters who use a parking lot near the theater were notified earlier this week by the village of alternate parking to keep the area clear for potential demolition.

Village President Bill Mueller, a supporter of preserving the movie house, said if the theater group’s last-minute hopes are dashed, he will uphold the village board’s decision to raze the building.

“I’ve done everything I can to save the situation,” he said.

DuPage Theatre fan Deb Dynako said the razing of the theater would be an injustice.

“It’s an embarrassment to our village, especially during Lilac Time when we’re inviting tens of thousands of people to come and see our beauty,” Dynako said. “People are going to be horrified to see it come down and horrified to see how swiftly our village acted to bring it down.”

Indeed, as of today, the theater would be only seven days away from salvation by newly elected village trustees who want to save the building. Those trustees will be sworn into office May 17.

“The lame-duck board should have had nothing to do with this decision,” Dynako said. “The short-sightedness of four men on the board is highly embarrassing.”

Dynako still holds onto hope the theater will be saved. She refuses to witness the demolition if it occurs.

“The building still stands today,” Dynako said Wednesday. “Hopefully, it still stands tomorrow.”

Originally published online here: http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=311516&cc=d&tc=lom&t=Lombard