In 2008, the City of Elgin retained PARC Resources to organize and develop a restoration and capital campaign plan for the historic 1912 Opera House. This work included organizing a local capital campaign committee as well as designing a restoration strategy for the Opera House which included upgraded thermal improvements, new handicap access, updated bathrooms, improved foyer, upgraded back-stage facilities, and restoration of the brick exterior. The City of Elgin, along with its project partners Elgin Economic Development and Growth Endeavor (Elgin EDGE) and the Friends of the Elgin Opera House, completed the project in phases. Today the space is still going strong serving as “a nonprofit producer of public theater [and] a cultural and social refuge and a home away from home for hundreds of children, youth and adults” in the community.
This project was a unique blending of volunteer activities and professional support and allowed the City to move forward with this project despite the economic crisis at the time.