Groundbreaking on Arcola Broom Palace set for May 31

ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Crews are set to break ground on what city officials say is a new era for Arcola.

It was this time last year that plans were announced regarding the construction of a Broom Palace on a vacant lot near North Locust and East Main Street. Now, construction is set to begin at the end of this month.

As the former Broomcorn Capital of the World, city officials believe the palace will serve as an homage to Arcola’s history and its ongoing connection to broomcorn. The city even continues to host a Broomcorn Festival every year.

The Arcola Chamber of Commerce said this isn’t the first time a Broomcorn Palace would be built in Arcola. In 1898, one stood over the town for five days. In that time, more than 20,000 people paid the palace a visit.

“That was back before cars,” the Chamber of Commerce noted.

Officials hope the Broom Palace will boost tourism now just as much — if not more — as it did before. The idea is to have a gift shop and a broom outlet store. The exterior would be covered with brightly-colored, fiberglass brooms.

But that’s not all. The three-floor establishment will include a small theatre that will host a presentation on broom-making and its history. The second floor will harbor the “A Walk Through Time” Museum, featuring highlights of Arcola’s past — such as its ties to classic toys like Raggedy Ann and Andy. The top floor will also have an open observation deck.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place Friday, May 31 at 5 p.m. Click here for more information on the Broom Palace plans.

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