Daily Herald opinion: The Catlow’s restoration is a win for the entire community

Next May, the Catlow Theater will celebrate its 100th birthday. That's a milestone worth recognizing, but what's happening inside the theater today may be even more exciting. Little by little, the Catlow is coming back to life.

This restoration isn't just about fixing up an old building. It's about saving a place that has helped define Barrington for generations.

Long before Netflix and giant movie theaters, families from Barrington and the surrounding suburbs came to the Catlow for movie nights, first dates and memorable weekends together. For many people, it's impossible to imagine growing up here without thinking about the Catlow.

The restoration has also reminded us that the Catlow is more than a movie theater. As workers uncover hand-painted murals, decorative plaster, carved woodwork and other long-hidden details, we're getting a fresh look at just how remarkable this building is. It's the kind of craftsmanship that isn't found in many structures anymore, and it's something worth saving.

Of course, restoring a landmark like this takes more than good intentions. It takes money, patience and a community stepping up. That's exactly what's happening. The Catlow 1927 Foundation has already made impressive progress toward its $6 million fundraising goal, thanks to donors who understand that preserving a piece of history doesn't happen by accident.

We hope that support continues. A restored Catlow has the potential to be so much more than a beautifully renovated theater. It can once again become a spot where families watch a movie together, where friends meet up, where local organizations hold events and where visitors discover everything downtown Barrington has to offer. That's good for local businesses, but more importantly, it's good for the community.

Some buildings are too important to let fade away. The Catlow is one of them.

As the Catlow prepares to celebrate its centennial, we hope the excitement surrounding this restoration only grows. The theater has entertained audiences for nearly 100 years. With continued community support, its greatest encore may still be ahead.