DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Officials shared new plans Wednesday for the Lincoln Square Theatre restoration project.

A not-for-profit group called Friends of Lincoln Square Theatre recently took over ownership of the historic building and started work in May.

The group has a goal to raise $500,000 for repairs. Some private donations have come in already.

"We have a desire to succeed, as well as a deep passion to once again see LST thrive," said LaVell Hunt, President Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater. 

Plans include changing the seating on the main level to a flexible seating plan that would allow for the seating to be rearranged and allow for additional staging in the middle of the floor.

This seating arrangement would allow for events like dinner theaters to take place.

"We want to make this a spot. We want to revive this building and contribute to the downtown community," said Tasha Cohen, Secretary Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater.

Back in May, the building was declared to be an unsafe structure by the city. It had to be made safe within 30 days or demolished.

The group has been working with city officials to help renovate the building and make it safe and operational once again.

"We're going to move forward and we're going to bring life back to this theater," said Mark Scranton, Vice-President of Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater. 

the group also acquired the Odd Fellows building at 145 N. Main, adjacent to the theater. It used to be a part of the theater complex.

That will expand the size of the theater to allow installation of large ADA bathrooms to service needs for buildings on the main level and a food and bar area in the other side.

"In a time where everything is being taken away from us, the Big Ten or Vespers, it is so heart-warming to have this to look forward too," said Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe. 

A utility area would be added for catering, creating new opportunities for business partnerships for large events like conferences and weddings.

An open house is planned for the public for Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lincoln Theatre dates back to 1916 and has hosted legends like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and more.

It is also a part of the "Haunted Decatur" tours.