After more than 70 years of business, the Will Rogers Theatre had its final viewing in 2010.

Now, the building has found new owners who are excited about what is to come in the future of the building.

The new owners of the theater, Tim Burke, of Hollywood, and Jim and Katie Troccoli, originally from Ottawa, Ill., said their plan is to restore the venue to its original grandeur.

“We saw the venue listed as one of the 10 most endangered historic sights in Illinois,” Katie Troccoli said. “Once we looked at the property, we felt it was very strong in structure. We found the city officials to be good to work with and great support from the public for the property.”

Pam Werden, a Charleston native and supporter of the Facebook group “Save the Will Rogers Theatre,” said she thinks restoring the theater is important to the community.

“Anytime you open a business, it’s a boost to the local economy,” she said. “But restoring an iconic local landmark, such as the Will Rogers, is also boost to our community’s spirit.”

Werden said before the Will Rogers was divided into two theaters, it was one big theater with a large stage. 

“There were beautiful stained glass light fixtures and the ceiling was ornately painted – it looked like a big Persian rug,” she said. “There was a huge picture of Will Rogers that hung in the lobby and tickets were bought outside the theater at a ticket booth.”

Werden said in the not-so-distant past, Charleston’s Square was the heart of the community.  

“The square was a place where we gathered, shopped and were entertained,” she said.

Katie Troccoli and Burke said they hope to bring that part of Charleston back.

“The Will Rogers has a full stage and a 1,000 seat room with wonderful acoustics and amazing architecture which is still intact,” Katie Troccoli said. “We hope to have a mix of film and live entertainment. I would call what we do restoration or preservation, rather than renovation. The Will Rogers Theatre is an Art Deco venue. We are going to put his coat and tie back on.”

Although no exact re-open date has been set, the new owners said the process has begun.

“I wish we could open the theater today,” Katie Troccoli said. “Unfortunately, it is not feasible. We will open as soon as we feel the venue is ready. We do not have a time table, as we are still in planning stages. We are in peel back and discover at this time.”

Brittany Floyd can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].