Marion Cultural and Civic Center
800 Tower Square Plaza,
Marion,
IL
62959
800 Tower Square Plaza,
Marion,
IL
62959
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Here is a circa 1927 postcard view of an Orpheum Theater in Marion, Illinois.
A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 489 style 135C was installed in the Orpheum Theater on 11/25/1921.
The architectural firm that did the renovation is White & Borgognoni of Carbondale, Illinois. They won an rchitectural award for it. You can read about it here:
View link
The Civic Center is having its open house this weekend.
It’s a success!
Though still a ways away from “100%” finished, pending further fundraising efforts, the new Marion C&C Center is already exciting – already inspiring – already instilling that wonderful feeling of accomplishment in another new generation of young performers, and joy in the reminiscing of those returning.
The latest photos will be found here:
http://www.marionccc.org/current.html
As you can see, the final (improved:) design included the original entrance facade that was saved, integrated right into the new corner entry; the way it was years ago, but with an outer glass shell to provide the double-entry needed for the new air-conditioned facility.
The first new musical of this new age of the center will always be remembered by the people as well as the children of Marion, who performed the Jr. version of “The Fiddler On The Roof” to two nights of sold out crowds!
We’ll also cherish the crowd who carved out a special place in the heart of Christian artist Mark Schultz years ago, then packed the new house to welcome him back once again, beginning another chapter of praise and worship in the heart of Marion.
Now that enough of the building is complete to allow quality events and memories like these, it will surely be only a matter of time before more generous individuals step forward to help out this small town with it’s dedicated crew of big dreamers who envision all the potential of the arts in Southern Illinois.
Concerts and musicals, plays and performances; Community Choirs and Community Theater, it’s nice to know the dream is still alive, and will have such a great place to call home!
The building has still not been declared finished, although there have already been several events held here. There are also several events planed for the next few weeks.
This theater is set to open next month. The original facade is included in the design, but it’s placement has been changed. If you go to the web site above, they show the facade on the side of the building. The facade is now on the corner, at the entrance, which is where it was on the original. The building is very good looking, and the facade is beautiful. I never remember seeing the original, since I was in grade school when it burned, but can remember when it did. I also think that the status of the building should be changed to demolished, since the new building is much bigger than the original, and is not designed to be a movie theater.