People’s Theater

The Lerner Theater was built in 1924. It was renamed The Elco in about 1940. Generations of Elkhartans have attended movies, symphonies and other productions there. Our music heritage is renowned, but fading.

The reopening of The Lerner will provide an elegant, central location for reclaiming our musical heritage. The 62 year-old Elkhart Symphony, our 100 year-old Municipal Band, the thriving Premier Arts stage production company and many others will call The Lerner "home".

Proms, wedding receptions, charity events, product launches and all kind of activites will be held in the 6,000 sf ballroom addition. Add to that there's free parking - no creepy parking garage (sorry Morris) right across Franklin Street.

It's a crown jewel for a city that has had its wind knocked out. With school budgets being cut (and most assuredly music and art will be among the further cuts next year), this center for music, dance and drama will be critical as an avenue for young Elkhartans to be instructed in the art of performance.

It's win-win. And it's halfway to completion. Check the progress at www.lernertheater.org