Five years ago, a Pecatonica theater's roof collapsed because of snow and ice. This month, groundbreaking for its new location will take place.
Laurie Miller is the treasurer and capital campaign manager for Pec Playhouse Theatre. She said that since the collapse, the theater has staged smaller productions at churches.
"The new theater has a little bit larger stage," she said. "So, it'll be great for, you know, large scale musicals and large casts. We're really excited about that."
The "Miracle on 3rd Street — Rebuild Pec Playhouse" campaign goal was $1.75 million. That goal was exceeded, but the theater still needs additional funding because construction costs have increased over the past two years. The organization is now launching a completion campaign.
"It will be for things like stage curtains and soundproof, commercial-grade carpeting," Miller said.
The new location, 202 W. Third St. in Pecatonica, was an industrial building before the theater purchased it in 2024. The theater also purchased the adjacent building.
The groundbreaking will take place at 10 a.m. July 15.
Miller said the goal is to have the first production in the new space in spring of 2027.
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