New Owners Take Over Arcada

ST. CHARLES, IL — The Arcada Building has come under new ownership after Frontier Development LLC purchased the historic building, closing the deal May 3. The downtown St. Charles theater caught the eyes of the owners of Frontier Development, father-son duo Curt and Conrad Hurst, due to its “history and relevance,” they said.

“I’ve lived here most of my adult life, and the Arcada has always been an interesting building to me because it’s the culmination of art and history,” Conrad said.

As for the plans for the building, it will be a team effort from the city of St. Charles, Onesti Entertainment and Frontier Development to bring the Arcada to its full potential, according to a news release from the Downtown St. Charles Partnership.

Ron Onesti, president of Onesti Entertainment, said he is eager for the new partnership.

“It’s a refreshing change of environment,” Onesti said. “They share my passion for entertainment and St. Charles itself. It’s going to be a great partnership.”

Representatives of the city of St. Charles, Mayor Ray Rogina and Fourth Ward Alderman Lora Vitek, expressed their excitement with the purchase.

“I am extremely delighted that Frontier Development, which is owned by St. Charles residents, have purchased the theatre and are committed to keeping the Arcada as a very important element of our downtown landscape,” Rogina said.

“The Arcada is a key piece to the St. Charles community,” Vitek said. “I have no doubt that the expertise Frontier Development brings will continue to enhance the great tradition of the Arcada while also elevating it to new and exciting level.”

But it’s not just the Arcada that Frontier Development is investing in. They have also purchased the former Chord on Blues building and are constructing a building on the lot located at the corner of Illinois and Route 31, with a vision of creating a vibrant entertainment district for residents and visitors to enjoy, according to the news release.