Madison Theatre

Madison Theatre
Madison Theatre is located in Illinois
Madison Theatre
Madison Theatre is located in the United States
Madison Theatre
Location502 Main St., Peoria, Illinois
Coordinates40°41′39″N 89°35′29″W / 40.69417°N 89.59139°W / 40.69417; -89.59139
Arealess than one acre
Built1920[2]
ArchitectFrederic J. Klein
Architectural styleClassical Revival
NRHP reference No.80001402[1]
Added to NRHPNovember 21, 1980

Madison Theatre is a historic theater in Peoria, Illinois, United States that opened on October 16, 1920, as a silent picture theatre.[2][3]

History

The building was commissioned by Dee Robinson and designed by Peoria architect Frederick J. Klein.[3] The theatre features an Italian Renaissance exterior and classical plasterwork on the interior walls and domed lobby ceilings.[3] The lobby's terra-cotta plasterwork frames a triple-arched window above the marquee.[4] The building is located across the street from the Pere Marquette Hotel.[5]

The theatre opened in 1920 as a silent picture and vaudeville venue.[6] It had 1,600 seats.[6]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 21, 1980.

The Madison Theatre closed in the 1980s. It reopened as a comedy club and then again in 1992 as a dinner theatre.[6]

From 1996 to 2002, the Theatre was revived under the management of Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment. Over 200 concerts took place during this period including live performances by George Winston, Ray Charles, The Smashing Pumpkins, Creed, REO Speedwagon, Fiona Apple, Todd Rundgren, moe., Govt' Mule, and Mudvayne. The theatre closed in 2003.[7]

On June 4, 2016, firefighters were called to the theater around 10:30 P.M. for a significant fire that had broken out on or around the stage area. Officials stated the fire had been deliberately set, with damage estimated to be about $500,000.[8]

On July 27, 2016, the City of Peoria filed a condemnation notification for the building.[9] City inspectors reexamined the building on August 25. As most necessary repairs were complete at that time, the city's assistant community development director stated, "we'll likely dismiss the demolition case" after additional minor repairs were made.[10]

On January 27, 2022, the recently-formed non-profit organization 'The Madison Preservation Association' announced that it had obtained Madison Theatre ownership, via the charitable theatre donation from its longtime owner. After which, the organization will immediately embark upon the preliminarily estimated $30-$35 million Renovation of The Madison Theatre with an anticipated opening in mid-to-late 2024. The first stage involves renovation of the commercial spaces along Main Street, during the Summer or Fall of 2022, followed by the extensive full restoration of the actual Theatre building to past grandeur through 2023 until full completion during 2024. [11] [12][13][6]

References

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Madison Theatre," (PDF), National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, HAARGIS Database. Retrieved 15 April 2007.
  3. ^ a b c Lasswell, Mark (2022-10-01). "Peoria's Architects and the Jewels They Left behind". Peoria Magazine. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  4. ^ "Madison Theatre". CinemaTreasures.org. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
  5. ^ Vivere Research (2000-10-01). "Madison Theatre". HistoricPeoria.com. Archived from the original on November 6, 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
  6. ^ a b c d Lasswell, Mark (2022-10-01). "For Madison Theatre Resurrection, the 'Time has Come'". Peoria Magazine. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  7. ^ "Madison Theatre". themadisontheatre.com. Retrieved 2010-11-18.
  8. ^ "Arson Caused Madison Theater Fire - 1470 WMBD". 1470 WMBD. 2016-06-06. Retrieved 2016-06-07.
  9. ^ Luciano, Phil (17 August 2016). "Luciano: Peoria moves to condemn 'dangerous' Madison Theater". Journal Star. Peoria, IL: GateHouse Media, LLC. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  10. ^ Luciano, Phil (31 August 2016). "Luciano: After repairs, Madison Theater may be spared the wrecking ball". Journal Star. Peoria, IL: GateHouse Media, LLC. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  11. ^ "With much work ahead, Peoria's Madison Theater complex takes first steps toward renovation".
  12. ^ "Madison Theatre on deck to become new hub for downtown Peoria entertainment".
  13. ^ "Madison Theater donated to preservation association by owner". 26 January 2022.
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