CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — CSPS celebrated reaching its State of the Art campaign goal by illuminating a new marquee sign at the historic Czech hall in New Bohemia.
With a $150,000 matching gift from the Hall-Perrine Foundation, the arts and cultural center, at 1103 Third St. SE, surpassed its $300,000 goal, leaders announced during the celebration on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Campaign funding will go toward new lighting, sound, computers and building security.
Jim Piersall speaks during the celebration at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids on May 7, 2026. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The marquee sign is a throwback to the building’s early years, when Bohemian immigrants held fundraising dances, wedding receptions and other social events in the hall, built in 1890-1891.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, CSPS Hall, for Česko-Slovenský Podporující Spolek, or Czech-Slovak Protective Society, was revived 100 years later by Mel Andringa and F John Herbert.
The co-founders of Legion Arts brought performance artists from across the globe to CSPS Hall for nearly three decades before stepping away in 2019, notably bringing the building back after the devastating 2008 flood inundated the area.
The 1890 cornerstone is seen on CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
CSPS Hall continues to be used for art exhibits, theater, live music performances and other events.
Leaders of the nonprofit said the updates will expand opportunities for artists and ensure a vibrant future for creativity for years to come.
“It’s really a beacon for this neighborhood,” said Jim Piersall, Czech Village and New Bohemia Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District president, which supported the campaign, along with numerous other donors.
More: See angel sculptures revealed in Czech Village and more from the CSPS celebration, below:
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