A recent visit from the Landmarks Illinois organization along with one of their historical architects to the Stephens Brothers Opera House aka JC Penney’s building. They are interested in attempting to establish a historical district for downtown. The architect is working up stone construction figures for basic stabilization and buttoning up the building. The inspection and estimation was done free of charge to the city.
They have asked the city to put out an all call to all citizens, former citizens, or local historians for photographs of beginning construction of the Opera House.
There is also a need of pictures of activities that happened inside the building. Examples: lectures conducted by William Jennings Bryan, Free Silver Debate, local high school basketball games and graduations, Jazz and or Blues Concerts, and traveling vaudeville performances.
With his possible designation there could be tax credits and grants that can be sought after. As well as other resources and developers they have utilized. These incentives have been the spark for other small towns Main Street revitalization. This is the next step in the process in seeking out options not a guarantee.
Other buildings of interest from their visit last week were the movie theaters, old city hall and others that they could only do outside inspections.
Please submit scanned copies to citycouncil@watsekacity.org. Please call the office at 815-432-2711 with any questions about photos you may have.