PEORIA, Ill. — A $39 million project has begun in downtown Peoria.
The Madison Theater Preservation Association, which now owns the historic theater, is raising awareness about what they’re doing with an event this weekend.
The Association’s Cody Gieblehausen tells WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, they’re working to eventually make the theater a full-spectrum performance center.
“So, everything from live music, theater, ballet, orchestra, even first-run film capabilities,” Gieblehausen says.
This Friday night, September 16, people with tickets to see the “Ghost-Note” show at Kenny’s Westside, can attend a pre-party event at the Madison…getting a look inside the theater and at some of the renovations that have been done.
Members of the Madison Theater Preservation Association recently got a glimpse of what the theater looked like when it opened in 1920, when a company from Chicago stripped back the walls above the stage, near the stage, and in the lobby.
“It’s gorgeous, 23 karat gold leafing. They did a paint restoration, just a sample to show this is what it looked like,” Gieblehausen says.
Though most of the renovations to the Madison Theater will be funded by federal and state historic tax credits, additional money needs to be raised to complete them.
Gieblehausen says roughly $10 million needs to come from community donations.
In addition to giving tours by appointment, the Madison Theater Preservation Association is hosting various events like the one this weekend, in hopes of increasing exposure for the project and increase donations.
To learn more about the Madison Theater and how you can give, click HERE.
