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The City of Edwardsville is in the process of completing major improvements to the Wildey Theatre. In 1999, a $300,000 grant was received through the Illinois FIRST Program, which allowed for the purchase of the building and replacement of the roof. Additionally, Edwardsville has spent roughly $450,000 through tax-increment financing to rebuild the front façade to enhance the theatre, keeping with the art deco theme. Theatre improvements include installation of a new electrical service, extensive improvements to the exterior (including tuck-pointing and repairs to the masonry walls), restoration of the lighted marquee, new glass entryway doors, replacement of damaged decorative glass panels, and replacement of lower level windows. Volunteers also helped save the city money by assisting with theatre cleaning.
The City of Edwardsville contracted Henderson Associates Architects, Inc. to prepare renovation plans for the Wildey Theatre. The plan provides for a seating capacity of 456 on both the main floor (312 seats) and balcony (144 seats). In December 2004, the City of Edwardsville voted to buy 400 used seats from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The 40-year-old seats, which are being removed from the Katherine Dunham Theater at SIUE, will cost $1.00 each. Fifty additional seats are still needed to complete the balcony level.
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