Chautauqua Pavillion
Pana
Built in 1911 as part of the Chautauqua Movement in New York and central Illinois, the pavilion in Kitchell park was constructed to be the permanent home of Pana’s annual Chautauqua events. Though similar to several other pre-fabricated steel structures in Illinois and Iowa, the Pana pavilion is unique in that it has a theatrical stage, band shell and back stage. In need of repair, the pavilion was determined to require removal of deteriorated wood, as well as complete reconstruction of the three performance spaces.
Receiving federal funds administered through IDOT and 20% from Pana itself (including local donations for a new roof), the project was completed in one year. The unsalvageable elements were replaced, windows reopened, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp was installed to allow full access to the main stage. The pavilion is now available for a variety of community events, and the centerpiece of historic Kitchell Park.