The Madison Fire Department determined the third fire at the Orpheum Theatre, 216 State St., on Dec. 19 was arson.
The building, which was erected in 1926, is a major focal point of State Street.
\The Orpheum was one of the most expensive buildings of its kind built in its time period,"" said Jim Draeger, architectural historian for the Wisconsin Historical Society. ""It was, and still is, an important piece of entertainment history to the city.""
After what the fire marshal has ruled as arson, the damage costs to the historic building are estimated to be upward of $100,000 according to Lori Wirth, the public information officer for the Madison Fire Department.
""The owners of the Orpheum hired an engineer to examine wiring as a possible source of the fire and the investigators ruled out all things spontaneous, leaving them with the conclusion of arson,"" she said.
According to Wirth, the first fire was set in a bathroom in April and until recently was not speculated to be arson. The second fire, which occurred two weeks prior to the fire currently under investigation, was contained by the staff and went unreported, leaving investigators without much information on the blaze.??
The two most recent fires are thought to be connected, Wirth said.
Within days of the fire, a fundraiser was held to benefit the Orpheum at Caf?? Monmarte.??
""The event was thrown together at very short notice and was well-attended, which shows how well- loved [the Orpheum] is by the community,"" Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said.
After being sued for lack of payment last year, many wonder if the institution can survive another major financial hit.
""[The Orpheum] can survive because of its history, its role that it has played in the community under Henry Doane's leadership,"" Verveer said. ""It has been teetering on the brink of shutting down, but this is truly a labor of love for Doane.""
The Orpheum is currently on schedule to reopen the restaurant in the lobby by Jan. 14 and the theater by early February.
""When the doors of the Orpheum reopen, I hope that they receive more business in support. ... It's a cultural resource for film, music and spoken word,"" Verveer said.
The Wisconsin Arson Insurance Council is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who set the fire.
Tips can be forwarded to the council at 800-362-3005 or to Crime Stoppers at 266-6014.
