DU QUOIN -- Let the transformation begin.
It's been more than four months since Texas businessman Rick Vavro purchased the iconic Grand Theater at an online auction.
Since that time, Vavro has made multiple trips north to Du Quoin to become more familiar with the people of the community, and with the help of his work crew, began making repairs to the structure this past fall.
The roof was his biggest concern initially.
"I now only see two small leaks, which is a vast improvement over the way it was," Vavro said. Fancy architectural moldings made of plaster are tearing away from corners of the building will also be replaced.
"Our job is to make a silicon mold of what is there and replace what needs to be replaced," he said. "We will then start installing the new molds in the spring when we come back."
Vavro has surveyed city residents through his website (www.grand-duquoin.com) asking what people think will work best at the location.
"And while some said making it a theater again would be nice, about 70 percent of those responding brought up an events center, where weddings and receptions could be held," Vavro said. "So, I guess you could say that is also our preliminary thought on what to do with the building."
Mayor Guy Alongi said he and his wife, Rose, got the opportunity to have dinner with Vavro and his family over the holidays.
"I think he is zeroing in on an events center for weddings and other social events and private parties," Alongi said. "He wants to bring back the beauty of The Grand as much as possible, including use of the balcony."
Alongi said Vavro has also enlisted the assistance of an architectural student from SIU, who will lend his ideas to the project.
"It's certainly a work in progress, but I am confident whatever the outcome, our community will be happy with the results," the mayor said. "Things can always change, but I do know Rick likes our downtown and wants to make this a good project to enhance Main Street. What's the old saying, 'Rome wasn't built in a day?' I have a great deal of respect for his ability in this project. He has the knowledge and background to move it forward, but it will take time and patience to work out the details. The fact that he is a contractor doesn't hurt."
Vavro said Alongi, as well as the city's economic development director, Jeff Ashauer, have proved to be an immense help in answering questions and providing contacts.
Alongi said that there have been no discussions with Vavro regarding a financial investment from the city.
"If asked, we could do a TIF (Tax Increment Finance) development agreement. We would definitely try to help in any way that we could to make this project work."
Those residents who would like to interact with Vavro, may do so through the website. Project updates will be provided by him.
