Archive for Lincoln Square Theatre

Lightning Strikes Doing A Number On Lincoln Square Theatre

By Kris
Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Debbie Ford, the executive director of Decatur’s nearly century old historic Lincoln Square Theatre posted a plea to the public on the theatre’s Facebook page, to help save the structure. Many much needed repairs have been completed in recent years but there’s still much work to do, especially when Mother Nature seems to have it in for the theatre’s roof. Here is her comment:

“Hey everybody! If you are a TRUE Fan of The Lincoln Square Theatre please help us. As you know I am the Executive Director of LST and I am pleading to all of you. Lightening has stuck the theatre TWICE since April. The 1st time it took out our Light System, the 2nd time it took out our rented Light System! Now our insurance co. has denied our claim!!!! We have had to rent equipment in order to honor the contracts we have with the rentals coming in. The Lincoln is in red due to unforseen repairs over the past 3 years. Our boiler has broke down 3 times, and the new AC unit on the roof was struck by lightening 2 years ago also. The electrical system on stage is shot, the flat roof over the mezzanine is leaking all the time now. Every rain we have had this year causes more damage to the building. It is a true shame to see these things happening. And the POWER BILLS are killing us. They range from $1,700 – over $4,000 a month. We can’t seem to get a break on anything. We owe for repairs to alot of local businesses who have been gracious enough to bill us. The Lincoln needs help with keeping the doors open. The staff has been working for over 10 months without being paid either. if it weren’t for the wonderful volunteer staff we couldn’t host the events that come in. They clean, they work concession, they promote, they all work countless hours with only a hug and a big thank you! What I am pleading for now is this: If every fan of the Lincoln could send us $10 a month to us so that we can pay our monthly bills, those donations would keep us afloat and help us to get out of the RED and keep our doors open! Ticket sales are NOT doing it! We have tried keeping the tickets prices down because of the economy but the support isn’t coming from the community. This historic theatre is too grand to go BLACK! It would cost the city a million dollars to tear it down. Downtown Decatur is thriving now. Everytime we have events in the theatre everyone benefits. The shops stay open and the restaurants are busy.”

The Facebook page for the theatre can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lincoln-Square-Theatre-Decatur-IL/125853760765576

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Lincoln Square Potential

By Kris
Saturday, May 30th, 2009

I usually visit Lincoln Square and Merchant Street at least a couple times a year.  My daughter loves Giggles and what eleven year old girl wouldn’t?  My nose always takes me down to Dell’s Popcorn Shop.  I can’t resist the caramel popcorn nor the caramel apples in the Fall.  Both of my kids  enjoy our trips downtown.  They love the old buildings and are intrigued by the parking meters.  They always fight over who gets to put the quarter in those fascinating machines.  I enjoy sharing stories that I know about  downtown Decatur with them.  They may not appreciate my stories now but someday they probably will.

But there are some things that could be improved at Lincoln Square.   There have been major improvements recently completed to some of the buildings in this area.  Loft apartments, exterior facade work and of course the major improvements to the Lincoln Square Theatre have brought a lot of life and hope back into the area, but there’s still work to be done and potential that isn’t being tapped into, however the potential is limited until something can be done about the traffic.

A walk across Main Street with my children is always  nerve-wracking. The vibrations and noise of the big trucks rumbling down 51, and the multi-lanes of traffic, make it an area any pedestrian would want to leave, as quickly as possible.  The sidewalks, lighting and ambiance surrounding the Lincoln Square Theatre isn’t terribly inviting either.  The sidewalks need replaced, and if 51 could be reduced to less lanes of traffic, it could open up possibilities to sidewalk cafes, and more importantly, a safer experience for pedestrians entering and leaving the theater and other nearby businesses.  It can be argued that the heavy traffic holds back much of the potential in the area, but it can also be looked at as a big plus.  If Decatur could get this area  more inviting to pedestrians, people might just stop and look around.

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Lincoln Square Theatre Events

By Kris
Saturday, July 12th, 2008

I’ve been looking for any excuse to get inside the Lincoln Square Theatre and see the recent renovations. Here’s some upcoming affordable events taking place that look to be good excuses!

It’s kind of short notice but tonight there will be a performance by Sherril Douglas who covers Patsy Cline’s music. It’s also a fund raiser for the theater. Tickets are from $10 – $15 dollars.

Another fundraiser is scheduled for the weekend of July 26th “BLEND & THE BLENDETTE’S” This Doo-Wop group will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 7 PM Fri & Sat; 2 PM Sun. Tickets are only $12.

I’ve also always wanted to go on a Haunted Decatur tour and there are some upcoming Haunted Decatur tours at the Theatre as well.

For more information, visit The Lincoln Square Theatre

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