Arts Center Approved, but Not Full Funding

Plans for a long-awaited community cultural arts center moved forward this week as the City Council agreed to proceed with the project but stopped short of approving the funding.

The city has raised nearly $8 million toward the $8.75-million center, and council members said they wanted to avoid going into further debt to make up a shortfall. So, they directed city staff to find ways to fund the difference.

The special council meeting Monday was also significant because architects unveiled the first detailed drawings and floor plans.

“They’re absolutely beautiful,” Councilwoman Margaret Shillington said of the artist’s renderings, which are on display at City Hall.

The 31,000-square-foot center, according to the plans, will include a 414-seat theater and banquet rooms to accommodate up to 700 people.

The center, to be located at 15th and Monroe streets, is to be built in an Old English style to complement the nearby Civic Center.

Although the center is not expected to generate a profit for the first few years, the city will receive revenue by booking small conferences, meetings, banquets and rental of the theater space.

According to the plans, a small park and gazebo area will be used for weddings, and the lobby of the main building will serve as an art gallery, with rotating shows of local, regional and national artwork.

With the help of volunteer staff and student interns, the center is expected begin generating a profit by its fourth year, officials said.

Talks for a cultural arts center began about 18 years but have been stalled for various reasons. Several residents and arts patrons who spoke at the meeting said they hope the wait is almost over.

“I was still a redhead when this started,” a gray-haired Gladys Logan, president of the nonprofit Westminster Foundation for the Arts, jokingly told the council. “Will you please get on with this before my hair falls out?”