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Committee will try to raise another $20 million for "enhanced" Carpenter Center

Miles to Go
Caine O'Rear/Richmond.com
 The mayor said he was pleased with the committee's report.

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Caine O'Rear
Richmond.com
Friday, May 05, 2006

The Performing Arts Committee commissioned by Mayor L. Douglas Wilder released its first interim report Thursday, which set the fall of 2009 as the completion date for renovations on the Carpenter Center.

The Carpenter Center, once renovated, would meet the demands for the original performing arts center, Wallace Stettinius, chairman of the group's Design Sub-Committee, said yesterday during the commitee's news conference at City Hall.

The committee said it had $45 million for the following renovations to the Carpenter Center: an extended stage house; acoustical improvements; expanded lobby, concession areas and restrooms; expanded seating; upgraded electrical systems; and new HVAC systems.

Related Articles:
  • "The Wait Continues:" The mayoral performing arts committee says it does not have a timetable for renovating the Carpenter Center. (4/06/2006)


  • "A Fresh Start?" Wilder announces the creation of his performing arts committee. (11/18/2005)


  • "The Saga Continues:" Virginia Performing Arts Foundation says it will no longer rely on the City of Richmond for funding. (10/13/2005)


  • "Mexican Standoff:" Wilder says extension for deadline of fundraising no longer in effect. (8/12/2005)
    • The $45 million includes $23 million from the mayor's "City of the Future" plan, $12 million from historic tax credits and $10 million from cash and forthcoming pledges.

    The mayor, who announced the formation of the committee in November, praised the report, saying his administration would be working in the future to implement its recommendations.

    "I am gratified by the hard work and productive results exhibited by this report and I'm mindful of the collegiality embraced therein," he said, noting that there had been strife between his administration and various performing arts groups in the past.

    In November, the mayor said the group's purpose would be to address renovation of the Carpenter Center and the development of the Thalhimer's block on Broad Street. At the time, development of the performing arts complex on the Thalhimer's block had been stalled due to fundraising problems. Wilder said the committee would serve as middle ground between the administration and the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation, as well as providing a "regular conduit of information" to the public.

    During the conference Thursday, the committee also announced a 120-day time period in which it would determine the feasibility of raising an additional $20 million by the year's end to develop an "enhanced" Carpenter Center. The additional funds, the report stated, would allow for expanding the theater into a 155,000-square-foot performing arts complex. The "enhanced" project would include a 75,000-square-foot addition to the Carpenter Center, along with a 200-seat community playhouse and a multi-purpose performance space on the Southeastern quadrant of Grace Street.

    Robert Grey, chairman of the committee, said in the next 120 days the committee would solicit the public's input "to make sure we are on track and are accountable to those whose funding we're asking for."

    Grey later added that development of a Music Hall at the site of the Thalhimer's block, as originally envisioned by the foundation, was an option, but still in the "consideration stage."

    The foundation plans to fill in the "construction hole" at the site of the Thalhimer's block. The area will serve as a public park until a final decision is made on whether to proceed with the development of a Music Hall, the report said.

    Committee member David Fisk, executive director of the Richmond Symphony and also a member of the Alliance for the Performing Arts, said the APA was encouraged by the committee's report. "It is the best plan that can be devised for the funds that are available," he said.

    In a press statement, the APA said the committee's "enhanced" plan better suited the needs of the City's performing arts groups.

    Fisk added that the committee did a good job in consulting performing arts organizations both large and small that had a vested interest in the project.

    The report also recommended that the CCPA (The Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts) be managed as a non-profit group consisting of public and private board members. The board, once formed, would then hire a staff to run the venue, the report said.

    The report also details the committee's desire over the long-term to create a "Center City Arts District," a region of Downtown Richmond bustling with arts venues, hotels, retails and restaurants.

    "It will further distinguish Richmond from other places," Wilder said.

    The committee's final report to the mayor is due Dec. 31, 2006. It plans to issue another interim report Sept. 1.

  • Send your questions about current community issues to Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and look for your answers exclusively on Richmond.com.
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