Historic yet abandoned Peoria theater damaged by fire

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - An abandoned yet historic Peoria theater has been damaged after a fire broke out inside.

The Peoria Journal Star reports (http://bit.ly/1Pd9cbF) the fire ignited late Saturday inside the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria.

Officials say the fire was sparked in the backstage area of the theater before spreading. Streets and a nearby bar were closed as firefighters worked to put out flames.

Investigators are now looking for a cause. They have not said how much damage was caused.

The 96-year-old building was closed to the public in 2003 after city inspectors deemed it unsafe. Several redevelopment proposals have been discussed since then, though no action has been taken.

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Information from: Journal Star, http://pjstar.com