Tags
Frederick J Klein, Glazed, Italian Renaissance, Madison Theater, Movies, Peoria, Preservation, terracotta, Theater, Vaudeville
Certainly, by now, everyone knows about the finalization of the long and drawn out hotel deal and the demolition that has finally begun on the 500 block of Main Street in Peoria. I have to say that I have long had mixed feelings about the whole matter. Having worked at Carnegie’s many years ago, I was fully aware of the condition of the infrastructure at the Pere Marquette and have often wished the hotel could be given a new set of “innards.” I am excited to see that particular wish become a reality. I am equally happy to see the construction of the new Marriott. The purist in me is less happy about having to lose the Lasher Building for this project, but the realist in me can accept this one. What I cannot accept is how our city tends to act once something new is introduced into the middle of an older area. Suddenly, everything should be new.
As soon as the hotel deal was made, I knew in my heart that the Madison Theater would be in trouble. I had hoped it would be viewed as an opportunity for responsible revitalization, but I also knew better than to try to fool myself. Sadly, Peoria does not have the best track record for preserving the embodiments of its astounding history.
The Madison Theater is one of the most recognizable landmarks in downtown Peoria. It is uniquely the last complete theater extant from its time. Many people of Peoria have fond memories of the Madison and many simply love it because it is beautiful and unique. Emotions aside, it has the possibility of becoming a central showpiece of our community.
For decades, the Madison has been allowed to die a slow death through neglect. The building has been tapped as a source of cheap income and little apparent effort has been made recently by its owners to show their worthiness to be stewards of Peoria’s history. This building is now ingrained in the public consciousness as a run down place filled by undesirable bars.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the public comes to understand the immense economic, cultural and social benefits of restoration, rehabilitation and renovation. Communities across the nation have been reaping the benefits for years of what we are all too happy to toss into the landfill.
We claim to be a city of leaders, but into what direction are we leading others? Rest assured, what we do today sets an example for what others will do tomorrow. Exemplary is not always a positive word.
There is a certain factor of amazement that envelopes restored historic buildings that simply cannot be imparted into new structures. There should be no underestimation of how important it can be to the city of Peoria if out of town visitors step out of the Marriott and say “Wow!” when they see the restored Madison and surrounding businesses. There is no need to gut our city to make it special. It already is. We just need to open our eyes and see it, embrace it, and preserve it for our future.