$400,000 in state funding launches $1.5 million push to ‘re-restore’ landmark theater for 100th anniversary
April 19, 2026
ROCKFORD -- Friends of the Coronado announced today that $400,000 in funding designated by State Senator Steve Stadelman will repair decorative plaster work that’s showing its age 25 years after the national landmark’s 2001 grand re-opening.
Ornamental plaster work will occur in phases from mid-July 2026 to mid-January 2027 as part of an estimated $1.5 million in improvements that include lighting overhauls and elevator replacements.
“The wear and tear is bittersweet – inevitable but also gratifying as a sign of a mission accomplished,” said FOC President Emerita Mary Ann Smith, who with her late husband, Gordon, led the 18.5 million campaign to meticulously restore and expand the then-decaying movie palace into a contemporary performing arts venue.
“A quarter century ago, we gave the Coronado new life. Now, we’re getting her ready for her 100th birthday,” Smith said. “We’re about to embark on a second-generation restoration.”
Stadelman said he recognizes the value of Coronado not only a cherished community asset but also as an anchor to a redeveloping downtown and important player in the regional economy. “That’s only possible because of Rockford’s extraordinary efforts to preserve the Coronado’s incredible architecture,” he said. “The state of Illinois was a $1 million investor in the original restoration and continues to offer its support – with this $400,000 and with $3 million for last year’s façade and window repairs.”
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the City of Rockford, which took ownership of the theater before the original restoration began in 1999, will fund life-safety upgrades including the replacement of two elevators and a conversion to LED ingress and egress lighting on staircases and along aisles in the auditorium. Those projects are being put out to bid in the coming weeks.
“The Coronado Theatre is a true jewel of our community and a driver of our downtown’s continued momentum. This next phase of investment ensures we’re not only preserving its incredible craftsmanship but also preparing it to serve future generations,” McNamara said. “We’re grateful for Senator Stadelman’s partnership and the ongoing commitment from Friends of the Coronado as we work together to honor the past while building toward an exciting 100th anniversary.”
State funding obtained by Stadelman will cover two-thirds of a $600,000 bid to restore the plaster that’s been damaged by impact or is crumbling because of age. Friends of the Coronado will seek private donations for the remainder of the replastering and for repair of broken atmospheric lighting, including the proscenium arch over the stage and the constellations that twinkle in auditorium’s famous night sky.
Repair work will close the Coronado from July 15 to August 15 and December 28 to January 13, 2027. Improvements are expected to total $1.5 million. Friends of the Coronado is working with Legends Global, which also manages the BMO Center and Davis Park, to plan special events for the 100th anniversary season from October 2027 to May 2028.
President Lincoln’s missing face is among the plaster damage to be repaired at the Coronado Theater.
