Theatre needs community's help
Updated: November 30, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- Some hidden treasures were recently uncovered at the Virginia Theatre. It's been under renovation since fall, but it was recently discovered the ceiling held a lot more than paint.
It's full of original canvas paintings. Employees think they've been there since it was built in the 1920's. It's a lot of history they can't wait to restore.
The Virginia Theatre was given grants and private donations to start a $4 million renovation. There have been a few bumps along the way.
Now, it will cost even more to restore these paintings, thousands more to finish the project. Park district leaders are asking the community to help keep the 90-year-old history alive.
"It's priceless. It's irreplaceable. It serves as a downtown economic tool. It's an anchor in the community. It allows people to come downtown, have a drink, go out to dinner, see a show at the theater and have a complete experience," said park district executive director Bobbie Herakovich.
The theater will open in April for the 15th Annual Robert Ebert's Film Festival. To donate, click here.
It's full of original canvas paintings. Employees think they've been there since it was built in the 1920's. It's a lot of history they can't wait to restore.
The Virginia Theatre was given grants and private donations to start a $4 million renovation. There have been a few bumps along the way.
Now, it will cost even more to restore these paintings, thousands more to finish the project. Park district leaders are asking the community to help keep the 90-year-old history alive.
"It's priceless. It's irreplaceable. It serves as a downtown economic tool. It's an anchor in the community. It allows people to come downtown, have a drink, go out to dinner, see a show at the theater and have a complete experience," said park district executive director Bobbie Herakovich.
The theater will open in April for the 15th Annual Robert Ebert's Film Festival. To donate, click here.
