FIRST AND ADDISON
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
A SPACE TO LIVE, CREATE, & BELONG.
Live
We are committed to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces where people can truly live—not just exist. That means walkable streets, access to green space, and a downtown that feels like home. “Live” represents our dedication to building a foundation where people can grow, thrive, and feel secure.
Create
Encore Center for Performing Arts has a rich artistic legacy, and we believe creativity is essential to the identity of a dynamic community. By supporting artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs, we’re making room for imagination to flourish. We’re investing in the creative spirit that drives innovation and connection.
Belong
More than anything, we aim to foster a deep sense of belonging. This means shaping a downtown where everyone—regardless of age, income, background, or identity—feels welcome and valued. We’re building not just places, but relationships: between neighbors, artists, small business owners, and city leaders. Because when people feel they belong, communities thrive.
OUR MISSION
Driven by a shared vision for Elmhurst’s future, Ryan Companies
and the Encore Center for Performing Arts are partnering to create
a transformative development that combines housing and the arts. Located directly across the street from the Elmhurst Metra station, this project thoughtfully blends a state-of-the-art, 550+ seat theatre with intentionally designed rental homes. This visionary project aims to contribute to the vitality of our local economy, expand access to housing, and celebrate and support the arts. We believe that, through open dialogue and community collaboration, we can shape a downtown that honors Elmhurst’s heritage while creating opportunities for generations to come.
The development will bring the following benefits to Elmhurst:
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Provides a permanent home for ECPA
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More housing options for current and future residents
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Economic stability for local businesses
Elmhurst is Evolving
"A quaint Midwestern town of brick-and-mortar shops founded 189 years ago is evolving from its longstanding reputation as a sleepy bedroom community to an increasingly popular enclave for professionals seeking to trade big-city life for a thriving suburb."
The New York Times
Vyne on Haven, 100 N Haven Road
FAQs
Community Impact
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Yes. Demand for rental housing remains strong, with high occupancy and third-party studies confirming these units would be absorbed quickly. Many renters, including young professionals, empty nesters, and longtime Elmhurst residents, are choosing to live downtown for its walkability, transit access, and lifestyle. This project supports the City’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready downtown.
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The proposed height of 125 feet is driven by the need to accommodate both the first-floor theatre and approximately 185 residential units within a constrained site. The property is located in the Downtown Commercial land use area, which encourages mixed-use, medium- to high-density development to support a walkable, vibrant downtown. The zoning code allows up to 125 feet of height at this location.
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This development serves as a catalyst for positive, forward-looking growth in Elmhurst. By expanding the tax base, it helps fund essential public services and infrastructure that benefit the entire community. The influx of new residents will bring fresh energy and customers to local shops, restaurants, and service providers – strengthening the downtown economy and supporting small businesses.
Furthermore, the partnership between Ryan Companies and the ECPA ensures the theatre’s long-tern financial viability, transforming it into a dynamic cultural anchor for the city. This project is not just about housing – it's about creating a thriving, walkable community where people can live, work, and experience the arts together.
This development also reflects Elmhurst’s evolution, as recognized in a recent New York Times article that highlighted the city’s transformation from a quiet bedroom community into a vibrant, family-friendly destination. It’s a necessary and intentional step forward that supports the City’s vision for a lively, inclusive, and economically resilient city downtown.
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We understand that traffic and parking are top concerns for nearby residents and businesses. This is why we’re conducting a third-party traffic and parking study as part of this proposal. This study looks closely at how the development may affect nearby intersections, street traffic, and public or private parking availability both during and after construction. On-site parking will be provided in accordance with City code, and we're thoughtfully planning the garage/loading entrances.
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The Ryan-ECPA partnership is focused on creating a more walkable and engaging First Street. The project enhances the streetscape, activates the ground floor with a theatre entrance and residential lobbies, and improves the pedestrian connection between Addison and York. It aligns with the City’s vision for a people-focused vibrant downtown.
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Construction is estimated to begin summer 2026 and would last approximately 2 years. Ryan Companies will work hand-in-hand with the City on a construction logistical plan which will delineate how construction phasing will occur onsite. Any sidewalk or street closures will be predetermined with the City to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety. The site team will also ensure site/surrounding area cleanliness and monitor noise.
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Once the City approval process begins, a notice will be posted at the site. At the time, public meeting dates/times will be made available on the City website. The community is encouraged to attend and voice their opinions at these meetings. Ryan Companies and the City of Elmhurst take public comment seriously, and you can impact the vision for this project by sharing your thoughts.
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TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is a public financing tool that uses a portion of the new property tax revenue generated by a development to help fund project-related costs such as infrastructure, utility upgrades, streetscape improvements, and other long-term public assets. TIF makes this project financially feasible given high land, construction, and infrastructure costs. Without it, the project cannot move forward.
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TIF does not raise your taxes or divert existing funds from community services. Instead, it reinvests part of the new tax revenue generated by the project itself. Existing property owners do not pay more because of TIF.
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TIF is neither a grant nor a loan: it’s a reimbursement mechanism based on performance. Ryan Companies only receives TIF funds after meeting specific obligations outlined in a formal development agreement with the City. If commitments aren't met, reimbursements can be withheld. The City maintains oversight through regular reporting and compliance reviews.
Financing
Performing Arts Venue
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The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is an initiative to build a regional venue for live theatre, music, dance, and cultural programming. Designed to serve the broader western suburbs of Chicago, ECPA will offer a permanent home for creativity and connection, with city-caliber experiences at suburban convenience.
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Although the western suburbs are thriving, they currently lack enough dedicated performing arts facilities to welcome nationally known talent due to the lack of state-of-the-art performance spaces. In addition, local artists perform in makeshift venues like bars, gyms, and churches, limiting quality of experience for both performers and audiences. ECPA fills this gap in the east corridor of DuPage County, creating a professional space for artistic expression and community celebration.
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Plans call for a 26,000-square-foot center featuring:
A 550+ seat auditorium with world-class acoustics
Intimate performance and rehearsal spaces
Flexible rooms for education, events, and community use
A central location directly across from the Metra station to easily attract patrons along the western rail line and steps from dining, shopping, and parking
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ECPA is for everyone, from students, veterans, and seniors to professional performers of notoriety and regional audiences. The center will host storytelling, events, concerts, dancing, touring productions, and more, filled in with community needs. It will be a cultural anchor for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
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Once built, ECPA is projected to:
Generate $8.2 million annually in consumer spending
Create 52 permanent jobs and hundreds more during construction
Contribute $692,000 annually in tax revenue to the state, county, etc. including $202,000 to the City of Elmhurst
Support local businesses as patrons dine, shop, and explore the area
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Yes. While designs are still being finalized, the developer and project team have committed to maintaining the architectural style that makes downtown Elmhurst special. This will be a state-of-the-art building but maintain the integrity of what makes Elmhurst warm and inviting, a respectful addition to the community fabric.
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The residential component helps make the project financially viable while addressing regional housing needs. It supports walkability, activates downtown year-round, and complements ECPA by bringing more life and energy to the area, especially near Metra.
With the center located just steps away from the train and dozens of restaurants and shops, we anticipate many residents will choose to walk, bike, or use transit rather than rely on cars.
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Imagine leaving work, hopping on the train, and stepping off in Elmhurst just in time for dinner at one of your favorite local restaurants. After a great meal, you walk a short block to see a Broadway-caliber performance at the Encore Center for Performing Arts. After the show, you grab a drink nearby while live music spills out from a local venue. All of this, just steps from the train, with no need to head into the city or fight traffic. ECPA is designed to make evenings like this possible right here in our community.
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We changed the name from Elmhurst Center for Performing Arts to Encore Center for Performing Arts to be more inclusive and reflect the broader community this project will serve. Elmhurst is home, but Encore captures the energy and regional impact we are creating. It is a name that welcomes everyone in the Chicagoland area.
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To learn more, please visit encorecenterforperfomingarts.org.
