WASHINGTON, Ill. – The public received its first look at Washington’s proposed amphitheater Wednesday night.
An open house at Five Points showed people renderings, with city leaders on hand to answer questions about the planned 5,000-seat facility on Nofsinger and U.S. Route 24. The project would add a pavilion, community event space, and space for future development, such as hotels and restaurants.
Washington High alumnus Jim Hengst is donating $12 million to the project to honor his late wife, Dee.
Developers of the plan believe that central Illinois is underutilized for concerts because of a lack of venues. They cite Decatur’s Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater as an example of what Washington’s could be.
Washington resident Curtis Marshall was open to the proposal, and tells 25 News more things are needed in the city.
“We are largely a bedroom community. This community needs other things besides bedrooms in it in order to sustain our infrastructure,” Marshall said.
Mayor Gary Manier believes the project could boost property values and taxes in the city.
Marshall and resident Lisa Uphoff believe their taxes go up anyway, so they want to see funds contributed to something that could boost the economy.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if Washington had an amphitheater so people from Morton, Peoria, Eureka, and El Paso would come to town? I hope that would spur development here, such as more restaurants,” Uphoff said.
The estimated 10-year financial impact to Washington is around $1.2 million in sales tax revenue, and around $500,000 in hotel taxes.
Those at the open house opposed to the proposal believe Five Points fails to sell out events, and the amphitheater would have the same fate.
There’s no timeline on when the city council could take action on the amphitheater.
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