PEORIA, Ill. – An all-day party in downtown Peoria aims to help with the efforts to restore a century-old building in the area.
The “Blockbuster Bash for the Madison” takes place Saturday, from 10:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., with proceeds from the event going towards restoring and renovating the historic theater.
The event features live music, performances from local and regional artists, a talent showcase of youth from the Greater Peoria Area, bodegas, and tours of the Madison Theater.
The Madison Preservation Association’s Mark Misselhorn told WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” earlier this month that the effort to restore the Madison is about creating a positive movement for Peoria.
“I think we need to have things that we can all get behind, that the community can all benefit from,” Misselhorn said. “And this particular project with the Madison Theater, but it includes, the vision is, the Main Street facing part of the block as well.”
Misselhorn says that vision can also include a restaurant, a bodega, and event space in the Main St. area.
He says with a renovated Madison Theater, more shows could come to the Peoria area.
“We’ve heard from multiple sources that all kinds of national and regional acts, whether they’re live music, whether it’s some sort of other stage performance, they are looking for a variety of venues. Different sizes, different capabilities,” Misselhorn said.
Misselhorn estimates a renovated Madison Theater could have around 1,500 seats.
Cody Giebelhausen, also with the Madison Preservation Association, says the building doesn’t have any structural issues, but would need repairs such as a new roof and seating.
