Hope to save the historic DuPage Theater from demolition is dwindling.

Lombard’s Board of Trustees rejected a plan yesterday for developers to restore the theater.

Village President William Muehler is disappointed.

He says investing in the theater would have attracted more businesses that now will go elsewhere.

“Those are going to be nice dollars that are going to flow into the community and over a period of time that all is paid back for what you put into it,” Mueller says. “So you’re investing today for the future is what’s happening. I think the board is looking for someone to invest today without the board having to put up any money for it.”

A board trustee who voted against the plan says the developer’s price was increasing too quickly for the board to afford it.

The theater won’t be demolished until the village settles a lawsuit filed by theater supporters.