DANVILLE, IL.- Julius W. Hegeler II is gifting $3,000,000 to the David S. Palmer Arena, to build a new “Ice Center” entrance on the south side of the facility and for the replacement of the Civic Center’s aging ice machinery.  At the Arena’s recent Board Retreat, the session opened with a letter from Julius W. Hegeler II confirming the $3Million bequest.

 

“The ice machinery is a decade past its lifetime expectancy.” states General Manager, Peter Blackmon. “We’re well beyond the routine repairs stage and the price of Freon for a system like ours has gone up exponentially. Mr. Hegeler’s gift acknowledges the civic center’s 37 year history of offering ice programming to our community; something which separates us from other communities our size.” Blackmon added.

The Arena was awarded a grant from the State of Illinois in August of 2014 with the funds just now being distributed. The $850,000 is to go towards much needed roof repair, renovations and upgrades and would leave little, if anything, for the ice machinery and additional construction. The funding by Julius W. Hegeler II would help maintain ice programming for years to come.

 

The gift is to be made once Julius W. Hegeler II “folds his wings”. “It is unfortunate, and I’m certain this applies to so many of his gifts throughout the community, that he won’t get to see the fruits of his generosity, which for us is a new beginning” finished Blackmon