Opera House Project Approved By Lockport City Council

LOCKPORT, IL — The Lockport City Council approved funding for window replacement, elevator repairs and fire rehabilitation work at the former Norton Opera House building at 1000 S. State St.

At its Wednesday meeting, the council approved a grant reimbursement request for $46,883.63 for the site, as well as additional funds from the downtown redevelopment TIF fund and video gaming fund for $175,975.

The property owner of the former opera house building requested funds through the grant program for the restoration of the building to its original state and exterior appearance from 1882, according to council documents. The property is located within the National Register of Historic Places Historic District.

The original limestone building was constructed in 1882, but has gone through many modifications over the years. During the 1950s, a third floor was added, and an addition was built on the rear of the building, according to council documents.

In 2021, the building was damaged by fire and sold to a new owner, council documents state. The interior of the building was severely damaged by the fire, which also caused damage to the roof and windows.

With the approved rehabilitation work, the owner intends to "retain the original historic character," which includes removing the third floor and returning the building to its original two levels, council documents state.

"The repairs are designed to accommodate new uses such as a restaurant on the first floor and event space on the second floor with a roof deck above the existing roof level," council documents state.

The project will also include the replacement of several windows, and the owner received a lowest quote of $93,767.25 for the window replacement. As part of the city's facade grant program, the program allows a 50 percent match up to $20,000 per facade and $10,000 for site improvements, with a maximum of $50,000 per property.

The property is eligible for $46,883.63 in facade grant program funds.

The council also approved additional funding of $76,975 to help remove fire damage and reinforce trusses and walls, and a 50 percent match of $99,000 for elevator repairs and renovations, according to council documents. That funding will come from TIF funds and video gaming revenue.