ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst nonprofit group that is planning a downtown apartment building with a long-awaited performing arts complex has named a new leader.
The Encore Center for Performing Arts announced Thursday that Mark George has been named president as the group advances plans for a regional performing arts venue.
George served for 15 years as president and CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago, where the organization said he expanded its reputation in music education, performance and community programming.
The Chicago Tribune named him Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music in 2011.
Before that, George served as director of the Hartt School Community Division and director of distance learning at the Cleveland Institute of Music
The center also said he helped reestablish the Grammy Award-winning Cleveland Chamber Symphony in contemporary music.
"Mark brings the rare combination of artistic vision, nonprofit leadership, and community building experience needed to guide a project of this scale," said Jeff Budgell, chairman of the board for the Encore Center for Performing Arts.
George said he plans to connect with residents as the project moves forward.
"This project represents a powerful opportunity to create a regional home for the performing arts in DuPage County that will serve audiences across Chicagoland," he said.
The center is working to establish a 26,000-square-foot regional performing arts venue in Elmhurst with a 550-seat auditorium. It would include rehearsal spaces and flexible rooms for education, events and community programming.
The site is across from the local Metra station. The project would require the demolition of downtown buildings.
Once operational, the center will generate $8.2 million annually in consumer spending, support 52 permanent jobs and contribute about $692,000 in annual tax revenue, including more than $200,000 to the city of Elmhurst, the organization said.
Some residents have expressed opposition to the center, saying it would increase traffic and add to downtown's density.
In January, Mayor Scott Levin said the pair of buildings that would be demolished are in "very bad shape."
"Something's going to be there that's new, whether it's the ECPA or just another building," Levin said.
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