Scottish Rite Theater to Reopen Under TempleLive

The historic Scottish Rite Theater in downtown Peoria is set to reopen in March 2025 under the management of TempleLive Music Group, which has signed a lease agreement with the building's previous owners, the Kim Blickenstaff Group. TempleLive aims to offer a diverse range of entertainment, including concerts and private events, and will announce its initial lineup in January. City Councilman Tim Riggenbach expressed optimism about the reopening, stating it would revitalize the area and honoring the previous renovations made by Blickenstaff. The venue was closed in 2023 and has a rich history, having been renovated into an 800-seat theater in 2019. TempleLive operates several other venues across the Midwest, indicating a strong operational background. The Scottish Rite Theater's revival is part of a broader trend of historic venues being restored for community use.