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Many sub-committees were formed. Each performing arts organization, school and college arts department and veterans organization in the county was contacted for it's input as to the type of facility which should be built. Individuals from Caterpillar, the Joliet Drama Guild, the American Legion Band, Joliet Junior College, Lewis University, the College of St. Francis and the Joliet Ballet Society were among those that were consulted.
In addition to local resource people, through the efforts of State Bicentennial Chairman Andrew McNally and Director of the Chicago Art Institute Larry Chalmers, the services of consultants from the Goodman Theatre were provided. The architectural firm of Semitekol, Larson & Stromsland was selected. Extensive fund raising was started and funds were raised throughout the country. As local fund raising progressed, many hours were spent planning the theatre and the band shell. During this time an intensive battle was going on to secure from HUD the property along Bluff Street, north of Jefferson Street on the west bank of the waterway. This site is historically significant as Joliet's first homes and businesses were established here in the 1830's. The property was valued at $210,000. "After the regional HUD office in Chicago three times denied transference of ownership, we decided to go to Washington D.C. and state our case at the federal level." |
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