The Jacksonville Center for the Arts (JCA) has received a $1 million pledge from Catherine Horn Randall to support the purchase and restoration of the Illinois Theater.
The pledge is part of a campaign to transform the theater into a multi-purpose civic center and performing arts facility, according to a community announcement.
Randall said the pledge is a tribute to her late husband, Bob, who believed in the project’s potential to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
“I am making this pledge in memory and honor of my late beloved husband Bob,” Randall said in the announcement. “He believed wholeheartedly that a multi-purpose civic center with a performing arts facility at the Illinois Theater venue would transform the square into a cultural and economic hub for the community. Bob recognized the need for a civic center that will enhance amenities and encourage more people to call Jacksonville home.”
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Randall, a member of the JCA board of directors, said she hopes her donation will inspire others to contribute to the project’s fundraising efforts.
“I am making this pledge to challenge others to join me in supporting the JCA civic center project fundraising efforts by making a pledge,” Randall said. “Our community has a unique opportunity to enhance the amenities we offer through the civic center. With the renaissance underway in the downtown, the wide variety of programs offered at the center will create an urban-like feel in a small city environment.”
Catherine Horn Randall said the $1 million pledge to the Jacksonville Center for the Arts is a tribute to her late husband, Bob, who believed in the project’s potential to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
A versatile venue
The planned Illinois Theater Civic and Performing Arts Center is expected to be a flexible venue that can accommodate a variety of events, including theatrical productions, concerts, conferences, meetings, social events, lectures, seminars and business workshops or training sessions. The center could also host classic film festivals, premieres of films produced in Illinois, gaming and sporting events, and the live streaming of major cultural programs, according to the announcement.
JCA is aiming to raise $8.8 million to repurpose and restore the theater. The organization’s option to purchase the building has been extended through Feb. 16, 2026, providing additional time to secure pledges from donors and supporters.
A pivotal moment for downtown
“I believe in the benefits of this project,” she said. “I look at my pledge as an investment in the future growth and prosperity of Jacksonville.”
The JCA board of directors includes Larry Kuster, Gary Mather, Drew Snodgrass, Mary Fergurson, Cathy Randall, Rich Basden, Gene Fergurson, Katie McDannald and Pam Martin. Community members can contact any of the board members or email jaxarts.contact@gmail.com for more information about the project.
‘A unique opportunity’
“Our community has a unique opportunity to enhance the amenities we offer through the civic center,” Randall said. “With the renaissance underway in the downtown, the wide variety of programs offered at the center will create an urban-like feel in a small city environment.”
Community members interested in learning more about the project or making a pledge are encouraged to visit jacksonvilleartscenter.com.
This story was created by Reina Kempt, rkempt@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: $1M pledge boosts plan to restore Jacksonville’s Illinois Theater