History of the Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington – The Herald-Times

A quick look at how the center has been used since it was erected in 1915

The building housing the Waldron Arts Center was erected in 1915 for use as City Hall, then housed the police department from 1965 to 1985. In the late 1980s, the Bloomington Area Arts Council renovated the building to operate as a community arts center. A major financial gift from Cecile Waldron in honor of John Waldron helped secure the funding needed for a renovation that added a performance auditorium on the third floor, an art gallery, concession area, offices and gift shop on the second floor and a small theater, gallery space and classrooms on the first floor.

In 1994, local community radio station WFHB moved into the firehouse at 108 W. Fourth St., which is connected to the center. The radio station continues to offer local commentary, news and music from that location.

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In 2010, Ivy Tech Community College took over ownership of the center and more changes were made to the performance and gallery areas. Arts education programs were added to the center's events. In 2020, Ivy Tech closed the center and transferred ownership back to the city of Bloomington.

On July 1, Constellation Stage & Screen began operations, combining the efforts of Bloomington Playwrights Project, Cardinal Stage and Pigasus Institute into one entity. First access to the Waldron for renovations began was given by city officials at the end of July.

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History of the Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington - The Herald-Times