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Carthage The Legacy Theater Foundation Inc. is moving to a new stage in the operation of its theater here in Carthage. On May 9, the Carthage City Council approved an agreement allowing the foundation board to pay $100 and take ownership of the theater.
The City of Carthage will continue giving financial support to the theater during the first years of the transition. With the purchase of the theater by The Legacy Theater Foundation, the City agreed to continue lawn mowing and snow removal, along with three years of financial support, $20,000 in the first year, and $10,000 for each of the next two years.
“It was never the city’s intention to own the theater long term,” said Doug Groth, president of The Legacy Theater Foundation Inc.
“It has always been in the plan for The Legacy Theater Foundation to take over ownership at some point.”
Carthage purchased the theater for $100 in 2016 from its previous owner, Carl Sandburg College. That same year, The Legacy Theater Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was formed and has run all aspects of the theater operations. The theater hosts a broad range of live performances.
When the offer was made from Carl Sandburg for Carthage to take ownership of the theater, it was “too good to pass up,” according to Carthage Mayor Jim Nightingale.
The city has made several major improvements, such as tuck pointing the east side of the building, repairs to the HVAC system, and removal of the Douglas Center building, now space for parking.
“We were fortunate to have TIF funds to help with the work. It has been a big boost for Carthage,” Nightingale said.
“I can’t measure exactly, but with our sales tax as strong as it has been, you know people coming into town really helps. It has been a win-win for everybody, and I hope it continues that way. I am so glad we have such an active board operating the theater.”
By taking ownership of the building, the foundation is positioned to compete for grants and to make additional improvements to the facility in the future, according to Groth.
“We are grateful to the city for helping us to get on our feet,” Groth said.
“Together we have created a great venue for live entertainment and gatherings of all kinds in this region. We are excited for the future.”
The Legacy Theater was built as an auditorium for Carthage College in 1953. It was later used by Robert Morris College who owned the campus from 1965 to 1989.
The auditorium and the rest of the campus was not used for many years, until it was purchased by Prairieland Investment Group in 2007. While most of the campus is used by Carthage Veterinary Service, the auditorium was gifted in 2008 to Carl Sandburg College branch campus in Carthage.
CSC made major renovations to the auditorium and used the building until it was sold in 2016.
Since that time, The Legacy Theater has hosted live entertainment of all types, drawing crowds from over 35 states with around 12 performances a year. It is rented by many groups in the area for their events.
“As we move forward into this new phase, we are grateful for the continued support of people who come to our shows, the businesses and groups who rent the facility, volunteers who give their time and talents, and donors who ensure the theater’s future,” Groth said.
The theater is run primarily with volunteer committees and two part time employees.
The theater box office is open from 10 a,m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For tickets and information, call 217-357-9479 or go to thelegacytheater.com.