The Orpheum Theatre is getting new doors and a roof thanks to a grant from the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois Projects Fund.
The “Jewel of Galesburg” received $150,000 to fully support the replacement of the theatre’s three sets of lobby doors and the replacement of the current auditorium roof.
“This project has been a long time coming, and we are absolutely thrilled that it is finally underway,” Orpheum Executive Director Erin Glasnovich says. “We are so grateful for this support from the State of Illinois and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Projects like these may not be glamourous, but they are vital for the preservation and longevity of this historic building, enabling The Orpheum to continue pursuing its mission for generations.”
The roof of the auditorium was installed when the Orpheum had its largest renovation back in 1988. Due to its age and the increasingly severe weather of the Midwest, the roof replacement has been long overdue and necessary. Roof replacement is set to begin this summer.
Equal in age to the auditorium roof, the theatre’s lobby doors had received more than a million patrons since their installation.
The wear and tear on the entryway had become apparent: any Orpheum patron could note that they were not the easiest doors to operate.
Local business First Glass installed the fresh doors this week. “I received notice on a Monday evening [that] they were ready, and work began the following morning,” the theatre’s Facility Manager Ross McIntire states. “The guys at First Glass are top-notch installers and do quick, quality work. The old doors served us well but we’re looking forward to utilizing the new sets for decades to come.”
The Orpheum will get a chance to welcome patrons through its improved entryway this Saturday, April 15, with Aerial Dance Chicago’s gravity-defying performance of Written on the Body.
The Orpheum also offers a standing invitation of free historic theatre tours for anyone who is interested in visiting, learning about The Orpheum and its history, and experiencing the breathtaking architecture and inherent beauty of Galesburg’s Jewel.
A celebratory event marking the completion of the entire project will be held at The Orpheum later this year. More information can be found by visiting the theatre’s website: galesburgorpheum.org.
