CDC approves $5 million in TIF for Double Door Theater at 1050 W. Wilson

The Community Development Commission has approved $5 million in TIF funding for the Double Door Theater redevelopment at 1050 W. Wilson. Built in 1909 in the Classical Revival style, the historic Wilson Theater was converted into a bank in the 1920s and was used as a bank until 2012. Planned by Double Down Development, the building is poised to return to its original theater use.

With Barker Nestor on board for the design, the building will undergo repairs to the existing limestone facade. The arched storefront window system and entrance doors will be replaced, and all new glass will be vision glass. On the interior, new walls, equipment, finishes, and mechanicals will be installed to accommodate the new venue.

For signage, the building will get a new 17-foot-tall blade sign with halo-lit letters and incandescent lights, reminiscent of the original blade sign. A new marquee will protrude over the entrance, spanning the inset center section of the facade. The marquee will feature a white backlit sign with individual black letters. On the underside, socket-style lights will harken back to the original historic marquee of the building. 

The $10.35 million development will be funded with $1.6 million in equity, $3.6 million in debt, $125,000 from an Adopt-A-Landmark grant, and the $5 million in TIF funding in question. 

With approval from the Community Development Commission secured, the proposed city funding would now need final approval from City Council. Permits for the renovation have already been issued, so once funding is secured, general contractor Synergy Construction Group can begin the historic renovation.