Blunt-Dornan Announce New Name for Downtown Arts Complex: Ronald and Nancy Reagan Center

Blunt-Dornan Announce New Name for Downtown Arts Complex: Ronald and Nancy Reagan Center

Springfield, Missouri-Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt and the Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust will honor President Ronald Reagan by naming the complex that includes the Gillioz Theater and the Jim D. Morris Art Center the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Center. "This is a proper tribute to a great President who gave so much to America and had special ties to Springfield," Blunt said.

Blunt continued, "Having President Reagan's name on this complex reflects a unique moment in Springfield's history and is a fitting tribute to President Reagan's service to the nation, his contribution to the arts, the movie industry, and his ties to the Gillioz Theater."

"We deeply appreciate the efforts of Congressman Blunt in securing both these monies and the Save America's Treasures grant," said Nancy Brown Dornan, President of the Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust. "This magnificent mid-sized theater will be used for all genres of music, festivals, local and regional events, film festivals and professional entertainment. Congressman Blunt's efforts are helping to move the reopening of the Gillioz even closer."

Ronald and Nancy Reagan attended the world premiere of the movie "The Winning Team" in Springfield, Missouri at the Gillioz on June 7, 1952. Ronald Reagan starred as baseball player and legend Grover Cleveland Alexander in the movie. During the 50th anniversary of the movie's release, Nancy Reagan accepted a position as a member of the Gillioz Theater Honorary Board.

"The Gillioz Theater is a showcase of Springfield's rich heritage of the movies and the arts." Congressman Blunt said. "During the Depression, World War II and the following quarter century, the Gillioz was home to live theater and the movies. Restoring the Gillioz will give the community a new state-of-the-art venue for future arts performances in a setting our grandparents remember well."

Blunt announced that the House Appropriation Committee, at his urging, has approved $500,000 in the 2005 appropriations measure covering the Department of Housing and Urban Development for continued restoration work on the historic Gillioz Theater. Blunt also secured $250,000 for Gillioz improvements in the 2003 appropriations process. The Appropriations Committee funding request will come before the full House for a vote in September.

Built in 1926 along Route 66, the Gillioz was the community's premier live stage theater and movie house with its ornate plaster cornice, frieze detailing and fixtures. Styled in Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Mediterranean, Italian and Moroccan influences, the Gillioz was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Today, a major renovation project is underway to restore the Gillioz Theater as the centerpiece of Springfield's arts community with live theater, music, movies, dance, entertainment and events. The project includes expansion into the neighboring Morris Art Center to accommodate the theater's offices, modern restroom facilities, a restaurant, art exhibits and a grand ballroom