ST. CHARLES - February 24, 2010 - Bearing names of celebrities including Jerry Lewis, Mickey Rooney, Martin Short, Neil Sedaka, Rick Springfield and the Guess Who, the marquee of the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles has symbolized "big city" entertainment since Ron Onesti acquired the historic theatre in 2005.

Today, Onesti announced the marquee will once again shine as it did when it first lit up the St. Charles sky, thanks to a renovation project initiated by the City of St. Charles, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and Onesti Entertainment Corporation. Grate Signs of Joliet was awarded the contract after a bidding process was completed

"This renovation project is an incredible example of what we as a community can do when we put our heads together. With so many advocates and friends of the theatre who are pledging their support, this endeavor really reflects the amount of civic pride that makes St. Charles the heart of the Fox Valley," Onesti said. "Since 1926 the Arcada marquee has been one of the defining images of downtown St. Charles. I see it as a responsibility for us to make it something to be proud of."

Mayor Don DeWitte said he is excited about the endeavor. "For 85 years the Arcada Theatre marquee has been the beacon of a dynamic and vibrant downtown environment bringing first class entertainment to our community. This cooperative effort ensures that the Arcada beacon will continue to burn brightly for the next 85 years, and beyond."

The estimated project cost is $85,000, with $2500 in funds allocated from the Downtown St. Charles Partnership through its Lighting and Awning Grant Program. The target for completion is late spring, and plans include restoring the marquee to its original splendor, with the addition of a new electronic readerboard, said Onesti, who praised the efforts of Grate Signs representative Linda Stuart.

"From the very beginning of this project, Linda Stuart has been dedicated, focused and passionate to bring this to reality," he said. "I gave her the ball and she ran with it."

"The Arcada marquee is an important part of Downtown St. Charles," said Jennifer Faivre, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership.  This project is a perfect example of our organization's mission: to enhance the economic viability and preserve the character and beauty of downtown St. Charles."

Onesti is committing to raise half of the remaining cost through a community member pledge campaign, and the timing of the marquee renovation project coincides with the introduction of the Arcada Theatre Community Legacy Program, which he began developing last year. 

"To me, the history of the Arcada Theatre as a community hub has always been very important," Onesti said. "When community organizations light up the stage with their special events, it represents how vital the arts are to a community. Our new program will enable us to grow the Arcada as a sustainable community resource."

The program's mission is to support and leverage the community's character and prosperity through high-quality, accessible, memorable entertainment while preserving the legacy of the theatre as a treasured artistic, civic and historic resource for generations to come, he said.

More information about the Arcada Theatre and Onesti Entertainment Corporation is available at www.oshows.com.