The Woodward Restoration Project
Brief History and Organizational Detail

The Woodward Opera House restoration project began many years ago as public awareness concerning the Woodward was heightened through the efforts of groups like the Knox County Renaissance Foundation. Many individual community members contributed time and energy to the initial stages of the effort, such as Gail Peelman and Peter Dickson.

In 1995, KPAC - The Knox Partnership for Arts & Culture was created. Its mission was established to support the arts throughout Knox County, beginning with the restoration and operation of the Woodward as an arts facility.

The Woodward Development Corporation (WDC) was organized in 1996 for the purpose of purchasing and managing the Woodward Opera House facilities. The large volunteer base is led by a board of trustees made up of leaders from the county’s business, social-service, arts, and civic sectors. The WDC Board of Trustees acts as the landlord to the current business tenants in the Woodward and Annex buildings, manages the day-to-day business of the project, and plans for and conducts the long term Woodward restoration program. The Woodward Development Corporation (WDC), an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization, follows sound fiscal policy, voluntarily performs an audit on an annual basis using an independent public auditor, and files an IRS 990 form each year.

WDC purchased the Woodward building in May of 1998 and the adjacent building for use as an annex in March of 2000. After acquisition, WDC began detailed historic and archeological research, as well as structural analysis, aimed at establishing the physical evolution of the buildings to permit an authentic restoration process. In addition, KPAC began laying the ground work developing plans for the community arts as it relates to the Woodward facility.

The WDC office, staffed by a part time and volunteer staff, is located at 107 South Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon. The Woodward is open for tours each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon from June through September. For current business or tour information, contact the WDC at director@thewoodward.org or call (740) 392-6142 during normal business hours.