The $14.4 million addition to The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin is nearly complete, with its first series of shows in more than a decade scheduled and a grand opening event being planned for May.
“The construction phase of the project is substantially complete, with only finish work remaining,” said Amanda Harris, Elgin’s director of cultural arts and special events.
The ambitious project includes a new north side entrance, reception/bar area, first-floor restrooms, expanded elevator and external box office. A second-floor outdoor balcony should be finished by mid-April.
Construction on the 15,000-square-foot expansion, meant to revitalize the aging building, began in July 2023, funded with money from the city of Elgin and the city’s Central Area TIF district. The new wing was designed by Cordogan, Clark & Associates, which also oversaw its construction.
The Hemmens dates back 1969 when it was built as part of Elgin’s Civic Center Plaza, Harris said. Its mid-century modern, glass-and-steel style look was the product of famed architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which was also responsible for Chicago’s John Hancock Center in 1967 and the Sears Tower in 1971.
Initially construction was to be finished by January but work was delayed by underground infrastructure problems, which added to the price tag. The project remained on budget after that, despite some supply chain disruptions, Harris said.
Even as work progressed, Hemmens’ 1,200-seat theater and other parts of the building were still being used for events and performances, chiefly by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
However, the last true performance season scheduled at the entertainment venue was in 2012. The last show: Dennis DeYoung, former lead singer of Styx.
In anticipation of restarting the entertainment season lineups, the city hired Anthony Lentino as its cultural arts and special events programming manager in July. He came to Elgin after eight years with the now-closed Laugh Out Loud Theater in Schaumburg.
Lentino helped book this spring’s initial season, featuring such shows as The Miracles, “512: The Selena Experience” and comedian Michael Palascak.
Lentino said he has been reconnecting with agents who previously worked with the center as they work to set up the fall season, which will run through spring 2026.
“We really want to bring a variety of entertainment,” Lentino said. “I’m looking at a whole lot of acts. I’m trying to cover the whole spectrum of performances here.”
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-25 season has not been affected by the construction other than for changes to the artist’s entrance area, according to orchestra CEO Marc Thayer.
“The minor inconvenience of our musicians having to enter and exit through the same front entrance that the audience uses has meant more interaction with the audience, especially after performances, something we hope that we can continue,” Thayer said. “The audience and the musicians have enjoyed increased interaction and the musicians enjoy getting to know their patrons.”
One boon of the renovation has been restrooms now being available on all levels and an elevator that goes to the balcony, he said. The new amenities will greatly improve the customer experience, he said.
Those improvements should, in turn, help increase ticket sales, encourage repeat visits and draw new customers, he said. The new space also means there will be more options for holding receptions, parties, donor events and educational programs.
“This growth in patrons will increase donor generosity and support for the orchestra,” Thayer said.
Symphony patron Linda Poppen Knight said she’s appreciating the work that’s being done.
“It’s looking a lot better,” she said. “The architecture from the outside, with the slanted windows, is looking more modern and snazzy.”
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
