Joliet City Leaders Tour Old St. Mary's Carmelite After Project Falls Year Behind Schedule

JOLIET, IL — The downtown Joliet City Center Partnership organization shared out two photos on Facebook from Friday's tour showcasing the former St. Mary Carmelite Catholic Church property, informing social media followers that "history meets elegance."

"Joliet City Center Partnership and other community partners had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of The Matise this morning," the Facebook post announced. "All we can say is that we are so excited for what's to come."

Friday's tour included Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty and Joliet Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mike Paone, among others.

On Friday afternoon, Joliet's public relations director Rosemaria DiBenedetto told Patch that the tour had been scheduled days in advance — not in response to Joliet Patch's inquiry from earlier this week asking City Hall several questions about the redevelopment status of the former Catholic church that has been closed since the early 1990s.

"What ever happened to the construction of Matise? The old St Mary Carmelite church?" one Joliet Patch reader named Mike emailed Joliet Patch earlier this week.

"We Would Be Open Year-Round" Joliet Patch Reported In 2023

Next month marks two years since Joliet Patch produced an in-depth story revealing the plans of Joe and Jennifer Matise of Tinley Park to convert the former church into a wedding reception venue.

On Oct. 1, 2023, Patch reported that after sitting empty for the past 30 years and going through several different owners, downtown Joliet's old St. Mary Carmelite Catholic Church was undergoing a massive exterior facelift, thanks to its new owners.

"By August 2024, they plan to open The Matise, a historic entertainment venue along North Ottawa Street that will focus on weddings, corporate events, fund-raisers, proms and more. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, The Matise will offer live music.

"These will be national touring acts," Joe Matise told Joliet Patch two years ago. "Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will be weddings and events. We would be open year-round."

On Friday, the city of Joliet's economic development director Paulina Martinez responded to Patch's questions, remarking: "The Matise represents a significant investment in downtown Joliet and reflects strong confidence in our community’s market potential.

"Mr. Matise is one of several developers who continue to invest in Joliet, and their projects will begin to show results in the coming months and years. Economic development takes time and intentional effort, but we are confident that Joliet is moving in the right direction."

Joliet Patch submitted a number of written questions, and the following responses came from Joliet's economic development director.

Martinez: The Matise Should Be Open For Business Before End of 2025

Patch: "What is the current status of The Matise?"

Paulina Martinez: "The Matise is making strong progress, with both interior and exterior improvements currently underway."

Patch: "Approximately when was the last time City of Joliet officials had a meaningful discussion with the owners or representatives of The Matise, and what aspects of the project were discussed?"

Martinez: "City officials met with the project team this (Friday) morning to discuss overall progress, outstanding construction items, and plans for a site tour."

Patch: "I previously reported that the former church's new roof project was partially paid for by a $100,000 grant from the Joliet City Partnership. Does the City of Joliet have any grants or funds allocated for The Matise at this time?"

Martinez: "The $100,000 grant you referenced was awarded but has not yet been paid out. At this time, the City of Joliet does not have any grants or funds allocated for The Matise."

Patch: "When does Joliet anticipate The Matise could open to the public?"

Martinez: "The project is anticipated to open to the public by the end of 2025."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Old St. Mary's Carmelite: Multi-Million Dollar Facelift, New Business