The Madison

P.O. Box 5244, Peoria, IL 61601 – tax exempt 501(c)(3)

The Madison restoration includes the theater itself, as well as approximately 160 feet of two story Main Street frontage. The block begins at Madison Street and continues Northwest up to and including what is now referred to as The Neon Bison (former Judge’s Chamber).

Over 25 community groups have been identified as potential users of The Madison. With groups ranging from Resident Artists to single event users, 75-90 performances per year are anticipated at The Madison, with opportunity for more. In an effort to to keep the space affordable for all types of users, the facility will have a user fee structure with varying fees for different types of users. Accompanying the theater restoration will be a full service restaurant and event space along the Main Street frontage.

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Historic Renovation

The Madison historic renovation is focused on bringing the historic theatre back to life with all of the grandeur and beauty it boasted on opening day in 1920, but also modern amenities such as restrooms on each level, elevator access/ADA accessibility, more comfortable seating, better air conditioning, and more! The renovated Madison Theatre will be a full spectrum performing arts venue, with capability to host events ranging from concerts, orchestra, and ballet, to seminars, film, and more.

1600+/- seats

$30-$35 million
estimated budget

Over 25 community
groups will use

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The intent is to renovate The Madison in keeping with the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places (National Park Service) and both federal and state historic tax credits.

Steps to Success

Plan, Protect, and Preserve
- 1- Retain ownership, Theatre Secured and Weathertight, Concept Design Planning- COMPLETE
- 2- Further, more detailed design work, additional costs to maintain and preserve property, – CURRENT STEP
Renovate, Restore, and Commence Operations
- 1- Initial construction to be focused on Main Street, including the outer lobby, corner bodega, and restaurant and bar
- 2- Inner Lobby of the Theatre and work to begin inside auditorium
- 3- Final Theatre Build-out
Expand and Stabilize
- 1- Annex Building/Rehearsal Stage
- 2- Stage Expansion

Project Leaders

The renovation effort is being led by The Madison Preservation Association (TMPA), a 13 member volunteer board dedicated to the reopening of The Madison. After receiving its 501c3 not-for-profit status, TMPA took ownership of the Theatre, as well as approximately 160 ft of Main St frontage (through a related entity). Now in ownership of the property, TMPA has engaged Farnsworth Group and DLR Group to begin programming and conceptual design of the space.

In July of 2022, Daprato Rigali Studios (DRS), a 5^th generation art restoration firm based in Chicago, was brought in to prepare three large sample restoration sections of the theater’s’ decorative paint & plaster work. After investigating multiple layers of paint, DRS was able to restore these sections to what The Madison is believed to have looked like on opening day in 1920. These beautifully restored samples not only show how beautiful The Madison once was (and will be again!), but also how achievable the renovation project is.

Key Service Providers
and Team Members

Architect and Engineering Lead: Farnsworth Group

General Contractor: First Build Associates, Inc.

Development Advisors: Real Estate Advancement Professionals

Theater Super Consultant: Paul Seimborski, DLR Group

Audio Visual Consultant: Pearl Technology

Historic Preservation Advisor: Mike Jackson, FAIA – former Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

Media & Marketing Services: Central States Marketing

Accounting: CliftonLarsonAllen

Historic and New Market Tax Credits: CliftonLarsonAllen

Legal Services for The Madison Preservation Association: Karen Stumpe – Kavanaugh, Scully, Sudow, White & Fredrick, P.C.

Legal Services for The Main Street Madison Facilitation Company: Fadi Rustom-Hall, Rustom & Fritz