Code Violations Close Arcada Theatre

ST. CHARLES, IL – The iconic Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles has been ordered to shut its doors and address code violations before reopening to the public, city officials said Thursday. The owner of the building that houses the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada received a notice Thursday to halt operations following a thorough code and safety inspection by the St. Charles Fire Department as well as a third-party fire inspection consultant.

The fire department department launched the review after receiving complaints regarding overcrowding at the Arcada, accessibility to exits in the building and issues hearing the fire alarm during a performance

“The St. Charles Fire Department followed up on those complaints, found them to be valid, and issued notices to correct the conditions,” according to a statement Thursday from the city of St. Charles.

During follow-up inspections, the fire department found more problems. Due to the “extent and nature of additional deficiencies,” fire officials decided to schedule a complete code and safety inspection to take place during the building’s regularly scheduled annual review in March. B&F Construction Code Services, Inc., an indepdenent, third-party fire protection consultant, and the city’s building and code enforcement staff also assisted in the review, which was completed on March. 12, according to the news release.

“The results of that detailed inspection necessitated the closure of the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada,” according to the city of St. Charles statement. City officials did not elaborate on the exact issues at hand cut did say they are working with the building's owner to get the theater back up and running.

“The city of St. Charles is working closely with the Arcada building’s owner to correct the violations and ensure the safety of the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada patrons,” said St. Charles Fire Chief Joseph Schelstreet.

The building which houses the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada dates back to 1934.

“The Arcada Theatre is an iconic destination in St. Charles and we want to work with the building’s owner to get this community treasure back up and running as quickly as possible,” said St. Charles Mayor Raymond Rogina. “But the safety of all who attend events at the Arcada is paramount. It is our intent for the Arcada to operate safely in St. Charles for years to come.”

In a Facebook post from the Arcada Theatre Thursday afternoon, it sounded like the issue had to do with a cover from the theater's electrical system that "came off." The post reads: "We are feeling the pains of this 93-year-old building! One of the covers from the electrical system came off and we won't let anyone into the building until it is 100% safe."

"We will be working all night and as long as it takes to make it safe!"

Jackyl was set to perform Thurday night and that show has been postponed. No official word has been posted on the Arcada's website regarding weekend shows, which include Saturday's last in line show with former members of DIO, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, and Rainbow and Sunday's John Waite performance.

More via the Arcada Theatre website and Facebook page