Go to Street View and note that the various AC units in top of the building next to the domed auditorium are in cages to prevent theft...
East St. Louis is a beautiful city, it's too bad that it's also a giant festering ghetto of poverty.
On the other hand, there are in fact two or three TOP "ethnic" restaurants in the town. Word of advice, visit them in the day time.
East St. Louis has the highest crime rate in the United States.