Construction progresses at Hemmens Cultural Center
Hemmens construction photo as of April 16, 2024.
Hemmens addition rendering courtesy of the Hemmens Cultural Center.
The new theatre lobby at the Hemmens Cultural Center, where the ESO’s subscription series performances take place, is starting to take shape. Recently, decking and steel columns were added to create the foundation for the new, expanded north lobby. When completed, Hemmens’ staff report the expansion will include a covered patron drop-off area, a new reception area, an outdoor balcony with a view of Civic Center Plaza, a new box office, and accessible restrooms on the main floor.
During the construction, please allow extra time to park at one of the City’s free parking lots adjacent to the Hemmens and enter through the east and south doors. For our patrons needing extra support, ESO greeters will be available to assist patrons from a drop-off location on Symphony Way, just east of the Hemmens, to the entrance.
During construction, there is no elevator access at the Hemmens. Support staff will transport patrons with mobility issues to the lower level restrooms utilizing a special cart that can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Parking for ESO concerts is easy. Free parking is available at:
· The old Gail Borden Public Library parking lot, located on the southwest corner of Kimball and North Grove Avenue;
· In the City of Elgin/Centre parking deck on the corner of Symphony Way and Douglas Avenue;
· In the City of Elgin City Hall Parking lot, located on Douglas Avenue approximately one block south of the parking deck.
We encourage patrons who are not using the drop-off option to use Douglas Avenue to access the City’s parking garage at Douglas and Symphony Way, and the city parking lot that is immediately south of City Hall. These parking areas are closest to the Hemmen’s east and south entrances.
For more information about the Hemmens expansion, visit https://www.cityofelgin.org/2574/Hemmens-Addition
To follow the Hemmens construction project in photo form, visit https://www.cityofelgin.org/2607/Hemmens-Addition-Construction-PHotos#liveEditTab_versionsList