Historic Watseka building saved from demolition

WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) — A historic building in Watseka was saved from demolition this week.

On Tuesday night, the Watseka City Council voted 5-3 to not demolish the Stevens Bros Opera House and to continue to request bids for replacing the roof.

This vote comes after the Finance, Legal and Audit Committee met on Sept. 17 and voted on the same matter. That voted resulted in a 6-2 decision to not demolish the Opera House.

According to a Facebook page dedicated to saving the Opera House, it was built in 1884 and has been used as a theater, event center, basketball court, roller rink and a JC Penney.

The group is working on getting their 501C3 to be categorized as a charitable organization and become exempt from federal income tax.

They say that after the initial work is done on the building it could begin to make money as a community event space. And, they believe it will eventually make enough to become self-sustaining.

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