Quincy University students a part of the entrepreneurship club, visited The Washington Theater in Quincy. The students spoke with members of the Washington Theater Commission and provided a fresh perspective on an old attraction.

What is now known as The Washington Theater was originally named The Washington Square Theater when it first open June 19, 1924. The Washington Theater was known to be one of the most elegant pieces of its time, with architecture described by experts as being Mediterranean Renaissance with a Byzantine influence.

By late 1928, The Washington Theater was a vaudeville and movie house. The Theater had many different phases over the years and it peaked in popularity in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. The last movie showing was in September of 1982 and then The Washington Theater closed. In 2000, the City of Quincy formed a Redevelopment Commission comprised of members of the public and city staff to evaluate and recommend actions that could restore the theater.

“Even if you want to have a wedding reception here, a rock concert, or bring a comedian from out of town. Any type of entertainment you can think of would be available to be held at The Washington Theater,” Jim Lawrence said.

The Washington Theater Commission has worked diligently to come up with a plan. Lawrence has been a part of the commission for a number of years, and he wants to give the city a multi-purpose entertainment venue while maintaining the original character and architecture of the building.

“We could go out and spend 15 million on a new building, but would it have the same character and all of the memories that are apart of The Washington Theater? You can’t replace those memories,” Lawrence said.

The Washington Theater Commission understands that significant efforts and major funding is needed to complete the restoration project within a reasonable time. The commission has established a “Friends of The Washington Theater” organization to promote and support fundraising and other efforts needed to bring the theater back to a condition where it can be used on a regular basis.

On Oct. 12, 2026, the QU Entrepreneurship Club went to the theater as a workshop opportunity for the members. There were multiple focus groups that discussed what each person would like to see at the theater, and get the ideas of potential young business leaders. Miranda Kraan was in attendance for the workshop.

“I think that getting the younger community to give their feedback on an old building, recognize the elements and the history of the theater and asking what we want to see in downtown Quincy is very important,” Kraan said.

Projected Washington Theater costs for renovation are estimated to be between 10 and 12 million dollars depending on the scope of the project. Currently, the building is used for things like movie and music trivia. However, due to no heating or cooling systems at the moment events are limited. The Commission is making strides toward bringing back a famous Quincy attraction, and they are partnering with future leaders in the community to make it happen.