It's been a long time since I last posted, but I've been lingering around. This project is particularly close to my heart, and I'm not even sure if anyone even reads down to the Metro East forum anymore given the amount of activity, but I thought I'd share.
A new online petition has netted more than 500 signatures of support for the Miner's Institute restoration project.
"The bottom line behind the petition is to show that there is community — and even nationwide — support for the restoration project to move forward," said petition organizer Shelly Steuart. "The (Collinsville Area Recreation Board) board of commissioners has expressed some doubt in regard to community support as well as expressed doubt in their own side of the fence in regard to moving the project forward."
The CARD board of directors halted the restoration of the 1918 building at 204 W. Main because of financial constraints. The recreation district has spent more than $1 million on the initial phases of rehabilitating the building and the total cost of the project is expected to be $14 million.
Steuart is the vice president of the 12-member Miner's Institute Foundation, the organization that managed the building until 2008 when ownership was turned over to the Collinsville Area Recreation District. The foundation now acts as the fundraising arm of the Miner's Institute.
Many of the people who provided online signatures waxed nostalgic about their experiences at the Miner's Institute. Signers talked about watching movies and plays, having their graduations, being part of the theater group and even receiving their first kiss at Miner's. Some said they felt having the Miner's Institute in Downtown Collinsville would encourage more business.
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journa ... z1x1VTTLNU