The Hub Theater Renovations on Schedule and Looking for Corporate Sponsorship

    ROCHELLE, IL, April 22, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When Mike McCarty, the CEO of McCarty Technologies, a technology management and consulting firm with offices in Saint Charles, Illinois and Viera, Florida, returned to his home town of Rochelle, Illinois, he was dismayed to see that the one local movie theater which he had frequented as a child, had closed and was facing possible demolition. However, instead of just writing it off to another casualty of modern society, McCarty decided to do something about it. He bought the historic Hub Theater, and is currently restoring it to its former glory.

Designed by noted Chicago theater architect Elmer F. Behrns, the historic Hub Theater in downtown Rochelle, Illinois opened its doors for patrons in 1931 as a classic vaudeville and movie house. Behrns, who also designed the Arcada in St. Charles, the Egyptian in DeKalb, and the York in Elmhurst, among others, created the Hub Theater in an art deco style with nearly 950 seats. Originally part of the Alger Theaters chain, the Hub Theater would serve the entertainment needs of Rochelle and the vicinity for many decades. By the 1980's, the Hub Theater was split into a multi-screen facility, by twinning the main auditorium and closing off the balcony to create a third theater. It continued to operate as a first-run movie house until early 2011.

Under renovation and slated for a grand re-opening in June of 2017, the newly revitalized Hub Theater will be a dynamic 1000 seat, state of the art, multi-use performing arts center, providing live entertainment, cultural, literary, and educational benefits to the citizens of Rochelle and surrounding communities through nationally recognized programming and community driven events and activities. McCarty's team intends to create broader programming and unique entertainment events that will serve to create a tourism destination marketing base in Rochelle. The theater will feature the latest in projection, audio visual, and internet technologies aimed at attracting a broader range of corporate clients and interactive presentations. This technology-forward design will also cater to a wider variety of touring artist, comedians, theatrical engagements, and of course first run movies and presentations.

The Hub Theater restoration will play a leading role in the city's current re-branding campaign aimed to revitalize downtown Rochelle. By creating an outdoor public plaza, and providing increased open spaces that will appeal to all ages with a variety of dining, shopping, entertainment, health and wellness options, the campaign not only aims to improve the image and perception of the city while driving more consumer-related businesses to locate to Rochelle, but also hopes to entice locals and travelers to enjoy unique experiences in the newly revitalized downtown area.


In addition to the downtown revitalization, substantial investment in utility infrastructure and fiber-optics have resulted in Fortune 100 & 500 companies setting up shop in Rochelle, bringing a new dimension to the city's strategic plan to attract new technology-related business.

With a hefty company investment of 2 million dollars, McCarty is committed to the completion of the project. The first phase of construction has already begun, as the dividing walls used to create a multiplex cinema have been removed, revealing the original architecture for the first time in over 30 years.

McCarty is seeking community and corporate support in many forms ranging from individual purchases of $10 high efficiency light bulbs to illuminate the theaters' marquee, to larger advertising, sponsorship, and naming opportunities. "We have great confidence in the Hub Theater project, and know that it will be an enormous draw to the community, both culturally and financially as the regions' premiere arts and culture destination. Our hope is to attract regional or national partners to align with us on this exciting endeavor", says McCarty.

A complete breakdown of advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available on the Hub Theater website. http://www.thehubtheater.com

At the Hub Theater construction kick-off event in October, Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson told the attendees; "We all remember the Hub Theater when we were kids, and the downtown when it was booming and thriving. We have an opportunity to add some really nice enhancements to our downtown, starting with the renovated Hub Theater. Because of Mike McCarty and others in the community, we are going to bring a lot of new people into Rochelle while providing a place for our kids and grandkids to enjoy for years to come.

For more information on the Hub Theater renovation, please contact [email protected] or by calling 321-622-3309 ext. 610

The Hub Theater
416 Lincoln Highway- Rochelle, Il 61068

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