Central Illinois native and California-based entrepreneur Kim Blickenstaff is contributing $500,000 toward the renovation of the historic Peoria Women’s Club building. He’s also issued a challenge to the community to help.
A “Restoration Celebration” fundraiser/membership drive will be held at the club, at 301 NE Madison Avenue in downtown Peoria, on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4-7 p.m.
Information regarding donations and other matters is available on the club’s website HERE.
The cornerstone for the red-brick, 11,000-square-foot facility was cemented into place in 1893. The club was founded by some of the most prominent women in Peoria history, a full quarter century before they had the right to vote.
Blickenstaff envisions the Women’s Club and its 432-seat theater becoming part of a revived theater district that includes the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which he purchased last spring, and the Apollo Theater downtown.
