Highland Park Theater Sold

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - A new retail building with a restaurant, offices and a garden will soon replace the Highland Park Theater on Central Avenue in downtown Highland Park.

The city approved the sale of the longtime Theater building and property for $1.1 million to the Highland Park-based Canel Companies. The local firm plans to demolish the current theater structure and replace it with a two-story building that will include retail shops and a restaurant, according to a city news release.

A portion of the Ori South Parking Lot will also be redeveloped, and parking preserved for downtown Highland Park business owners.

The city’s news release indicates Canel Companies’ proposed design is “consistent with the character of the current façade.” The $1.1 million it sold for reflects the appraised value of the building.

“We are pleased with the sale of the Highland Park Theater property,” Mayor Nancy Rotering sald. “The Canel Companies proposal was selected as it is provides a balanced solution for the property and surrounding neighborhood.”

Scott Canel, president of The Canel Companies, called his company’s project “unique” and one that will compliment downtown Highland Park.

“The restaurant venue will serve excellent farm-to-table food, while providing vocational training to local students and young adults in our community with developmental disabilities to enhance their employment in food service, hospitality and retail.”

Patch file photo / Tim Moran