A well-known Danville philanthropist is placing his support behind the renovation of the historic Fischer Theatre. Julius W. Hegeler II has decided he wants to make sure the building is secure before winter weather arrives, so he will pay 100-percent of the cost of the work being done on the outside of the Fischer.
‘’It was an amazing and wonderful surprise when he contacted us,’’ says Phillip Langley, a member of the board and the spokesman for the Vermilion Heritage Foundation. The Foundation is the group that has been raising money seeking to restore the theatre.
‘’We’ve never asked Julius for a dime,’’ added Langley. He says Hegeler ‘’is doing this out of his own philanthropic spirit, and we’re grateful for him being such a generous man.’’ Langley added he does not know a dollar amount that Hegeler is donating. But he has agreed to pay for all of the exterior work on the building.
[This photo taken earlier this week shows the work being done on the exterior of Danville’s historic Fischer Theatre.]
Hegeler was given a private tour of the Fischer and an update on the renovation efforts. ‘’He had seen us having events there in the past,’’ says Langley, ‘’and was interested in being a part of the project. He sees it as a valuable asset to the community.”
The work being done outside includes a new roof, tuck-pointing (including replacing a lot of the brick), and applying a plaster composite coating to cover the brick on the south side of the Fischer. The coating looks white now, but will be the same color as the brick.
A new two-story structure is also being constructed on the south side of the Fischer which will contain new restrooms along with a staircase and a new elevator for access to the second floor.
And now that Hegeler has agreed to fund all the work on the outside, Langley says fund-raising will focus on the work needed on the inside. He added that with work continuing – any plans for shows inside the Fischer later this year have been placed on hold. But while nothing is currently on the schedule, Langley adds those plans could change.
