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Endangered Theater
Purchased
Charleston
The Will
Rogers Theatre, included on Landmarks Illinois’ 2011 “Ten
Most Endangered Historic Places” list, was purchased
in November, 2011 by preservation-minded owners who plan
to fully restore the building to its former grandeur.
The purchasers, Katie and James Troccoli of Ottawa,
Illinois and Tim Burke of Los Angeles, California (an
Ottawa native), also own the historic Majestic Theater
in Streator, Illinois. They report that cleaning out the
building has begun and hope to start renovation in
spring, 2012.
The new owners learned about the
building from the publicity generated by its inclusion on Landmarks Illinois’
“Ten Most” list. Charleston Preservation Commission Chair Kit Morice said the
listing not only created statewide awareness for one of their city’s most
historic buildings, but also helped local officials recognize its architectural
importance. The Charleston City Council voted in May to give landmark protection
to the 73-year-old Art Deco theater, which had closed in 2010, sending a strong
message that the city supported its preservation.
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