The Lodge Performing Arts Center holds ribbon-cutting

A ribbon-cutting was held Dec. 12 for The Lodge Performing Arts Center to celebrate the opening of the event and theater space at 18 Villa Court in Elgin.

“This building has a lot of history, but I’ve never seen it as beautiful as it is now,” Elgin City Councilwoman Rose Martinez said at the ceremony, which was recorded by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

MTK Properties purchased the former Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge in December 2023. The 13,500-square-foot, two-story Tudor revival building dates to 1927 and had been used by the fraternal organization for more than 70 years before sitting empty for more than a decade.

Business owners Michael and Mary Alice Benoit, of Bartlett, received more than $660,000 in TIF funding from the city to help in the purchase and conversion of the building.

The Lodge has two theater spaces, dressing rooms and set workshops. In November, the Elgin City Council approved moving the Elgin Arts Showcase from the Professional Building at 164 Division St. to the building.

Drunk driving, seat belt enforcement campaigns start

Elgin, South Elgin, Carpentersville and other local police departments are taking part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” traffic safety campaigns underway now through Monday, Jan. 5.

The enforcement efforts are supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s statewide outreach program, “It’s Not a Game,” which reminds motorists that following driving rules is important and save lives, according to a social media post from the Elgin Police Department.

To help prevent impaired driving and reduce the severity of crashes, Elgin police urge people to designate a sober driver or to drive sober; report dangerous driving; wear seat belts; obey speed limits; and not to text or scroll on the phone while driving.

Elgin Area Men’s Shed donates to Salvation Army program

The Elgin Area Men’s Shed recently donated more than 120 toys, including some they made themselves, and other items to the Elgin Salvation Army’s Angel Tree holiday gift giving program for families in need.

Among the hand-made items given the the effort were doll beds, wooden tops and toy vehicles, according to a social media post. Donated doll bedspreads were made by women at area senior centers, churches and by Shed members’ spouses. Men and women at some senior centers assisted in painting the cars and beds.

The Elgin Area Men’s Shed has a space at 1023 St. Charles St. in Elgin where members work on community-related projects. For more information, go to elginareamensshed.org.

 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/elgin-lodge-tickets-shed-salvation/