Renaissance Place Theater to Reopen Friday

After months of living without an in-town movie theater, Highland Park residents can finally resume walking to the movies. 

Renaissance Place Cinema reopens on Friday, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Landmark Theatres in Highland Park's Renaissance Place began renovations in March, according to Metzler Real Estate, the asset manager for Renaissance Place.

The renovations included space upgrades, a conversion all of its five screens to digital technology and a concessions stand that will serve alcoholic drinks to moviegoers.

Two theaters will feature fully reclining seats, according to the Tribune. A hearing loop system has also been installed so that people who wear compatible hearing aids can link directly to the theater's sound system through their hearing aid's telecoil, the Tribune reports.

City Begins New Highland Park Theatre Effort

Meanwhile, while the Highland Park Theatre remains shuttered, the city is starting a new effort to find someone to revitalize it.

The city has issued a request for expressions of interest and qualifications (RFIQ). 

Submissions "may contemplate the purchase of the property, the long-term master lease, rehabilitation and reuse of the existing building, or the management/operation and improvement of the property on behalf of the City," according to a news release from the city.

The deadline for the submittals of applications is August 9 at 4 p.m. in the Department of Community Development, located at 1150 Half Day Road, Highland Park.

Informational sessions and building tours will be held onsite on Monday, July 22 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. 

Questions regarding the RFIQ process may be directed to Barbara Cates at bcates@cityhpil.com or 847-432-0867.