[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          VIRGINIA THEATRE, CHAMPAIGN, IL 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois, which celebrated 
100 years of business on December 28, 2021.
  In 1921, Charles ``C.C.'' Pyle made the decision to build a major 
entertainment venue in downtown Champaign, an area that had been known 
as a cultural hotspot. He initially had a vision of a 12-story hotel 
with a large theatre space, but that quickly changed. The final 
building resulted in a stand-alone, multipurpose performing arts 
center.
  In January of 2000, the Champaign Park District made countless 
efforts to prevent this landmark from demolition. Once they assumed 
control of the theatre, it went on to grow into a $10 million 
restoration project to bring the theatre back to life.
  Through the years, the Virginia Theatre has been the ``place to be'' 
for friends, families, and colleagues in the community. The Theatre 
hosts local productions, concerts, movies, live theatrical plays, 
stand-up comedy events, and many more.
  Congratulations to the Virginia Theatre on their 100th anniversary, 
and I wish them all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________