Civic Arts Center Update

A large crowd of people turned out for a press conference announcing plans for a redesigned Civic Arts Center that will be built as a result of a partnership between Maryville College and the cities of Maryville and Alcoa.

	The site plan utilizes an arts plaza to tie the two main buildings together, providing a large space for outdoor performances, festivals and special events.
	The new, main building will house the 1000 seat theatre/performance hall and the 150-200 seat flexible theatre.
	The renovated buildings will be connected to the new structure via the plaza. One will house the 250 recital hall and many of the components related to the visual arts programs; the other will provide space for printmaking and ceramics.

Maryville City Mayor Joe Swann, Alcoa City Mayor Don Mull, Maryville College President Dr. Gerald Gibson and Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton all spoke at the May 12 event that took place outside the College’s Fine Arts Center. Applause from the crowd followed the unveiling of a full rendering of the redesigned Civic Arts Center by Gibson, Swann, Mull and Clayton.

The size and scope of the Center are smaller than the previously planned version (one that incorporated Blount County’s participation) but the core features of the project remain unchanged. A site plan, also unveiled, displayed how renovation of portions of the College’s existing Fine Arts Center would be integrated instead of razing the entire facility.

The revised price tag of an estimated $42 million allowed the College, Maryville City, and City of Alcoa to maintain their previous contribution levels: $20 million (plus land), $9.38 million, $3.75 million, respectively. Federal funds will contribute $6.8 million and approximately $2 million will come from state monies.

A handout provided to those in attendance detailed that the redesigned facility would include a 1,000-seat performance hall, 250-seat recital hall, grand lobby offering a 250-capacity dining area, outdoor arts plaza with 450-seating capacity, flexible theatre and art galleries. Office, studio, classroom and rehearsal space are also included to serve the needs of the College, as well as community and educational organizations. A 30-person advisory board, composed of individuals from the College, cities and community, will oversee the Center’s operation.

Although specific dates for breaking ground on the new Center are yet to be determined, the College and cities hope to begin the construction phase of the project in the summer of 2007 with a target opening date of fall 2009.