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Developers eyeing bowling alley, theater near Burr Ridge Village Center
Updated: August 6, 2012 6:25AM
A pair of developers are in preliminary talks with Burr Ridge about projects that would support the village’s goal of becoming an entertainment destination.
Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso met last week with two developers who hope to bring a bowling alley and movie theater to the Village Center area.
Grasso said the land eyed for the projects is across Burr Ridge Parkway from the Village Center and would echo the shopping center’s architecture.
“The bowling would be about 18 lanes,” Grasso said, with 14 for general use and four reserved for special events, such as parties and fundraisers. The facility is proposing a patio and dining area as well.
Grasso said plans also call for a strict dress code. Minors would have to be accompanied by a parent or adult family member in the evenings.
The movie theater project could be an eight- to 10-screen facility that would show first-run films. Four smaller screening rooms would be available for corporate and private events, as well as live streams of productions such as operas.
“I’m told this would be a concept that would be unique to Burr Ridge,” Grasso said.
Grasso said he mentioned providing an area that could be used for community theater – an idea the Park District and area residents have suggested.
“There’s been no formal proposal,” he said.
The mayor stressed that plans are in the early stages, and while he has kept village trustees apprised, nothing has been brought before the board.
“The good news is, people are coming to us with projects,” he said. “It is at least showing new interest and vitality of the Village Center.”
A proposal for a multi-screen theater was rejected by the Village Board several years ago, before Village Center was constructed.
Trustee Maureen Wott was not on the board at that time, but as a resident, she was not in favor of the mega-theater plan.
“I did not think it was a good fit for our community,” she said, adding that her opinion has not changed.
“I’m not in favor of a large megaplex theater,” she said.
Wott, chairwoman of the Downtown Events Committee, said she would entertain the idea of a smaller venue.
“I’m interested in anything that can bring a sense of community to the village,” she said.
As for the bowling facility, Wott is willing to hear more about the plan.
“That would provide a service to the community,” she said. “It might be good for the younger kids.”
