The Rochelle Community Development Department held their 1st public information meeting yesterday dealing with the future of the Hub Theater.
The purchase price for the building on Lincoln Highway is $100,000. Renovation costs could range between 1 to 1.5 million dollars.
A group of local residents have put together a proposal about the future use of the Hub Theater. It would include plays, musicals, along with conferences and other gatherings such as weddings, banquets, and shows.
The city may use money from their landfill fund to help pay for the project.
1 of the organizers of the group, Alan Cooper of Rochelle, strongly believes that the theater should open again in the downtown area. He believes it will be a major feature to draw people to the Hub City.
Cooper said that if the Hub Theater re-opened, there are over 300 parking spaces within 2 1/2 blocks of the building.
The 2nd information meeting on this project will take place next Tuesday evening at 6 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
The Hub Theater was built in 1931. It has been closed since early 2011.