Arts United breaks ground on $40M expansion in Fort Wayne
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(photo courtesy of Arts United)
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(rendering courtesy of Arts United)
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(rendering courtesy of Arts United)
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(rendering courtesy of Arts United)
Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne broke ground Wednesday on the $40 million expansion and modernization of the Arts United Center in the city’s downtown.
The project, expected to take about 18 months to complete, will have a primary focus of bringing the facility in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Arts United Center was designed by architect Louis Kahn and opened in 1973. In addition to addressing accessibility issues, the not-for-profit arts agency said the project will provide needed theater technology upgrades and functional improvements for the organizations that utilize the space.
Among the changes on the production side are a new acoustical shell for orchestra and musical performances, automated stage rigging, specialty lighting and audio equipment for accessibility, and a new community scene shop.
The project will also create new administrative space for the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, as well as modernized HVAC, lighting, networking and security systems, the organization said.
“This groundbreaking marks a milestone not only for Arts Campus Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne’s state and city-recognized cultural district, but for our whole community,” Arts United CEO Dan Ross said in a news release. “The Arts United Center has been our community’s theatre for five decades. We are excited to expand and modernize the theatre to make arts experiences accessible for all people of our community for generations to come.”
In addition to the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, the facility is used by arts organizations such as the Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Fort Wayne Youtheatre.
“We’re looking to make sure we’re not just meeting today’s needs, but able to serve this community for the next 50 years, in an effective way,” Ross told Inside INdiana Business in March. “[The renovations] allow us to serve more organizations. They allow us to bring in a variety of people who can access these art spaces, again, with the intention that these are community spaces. Arts United owns and operates these on behalf of the community, but we want to make sure that all people in our community have access to arts and cultural experiences.”
Arts United aims to reopen the venue in the fall of 2025.
The organization continues to raise funds for the project through its capital campaign, A Soaring Vision. On Wednesday, officials announced a “Sponsor a Seat” program to help reach the fundraising goal.
“I’m excited that the enhancements to the Arts United Center means that more people will be able to enjoy the arts—whether they’re creating the art or engaging in the art,” Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker said in the release. “As Fort Wayne continues to grow, it’s comforting to know that we’re also expanding our arts offerings and further improving the quality of life for all in our community.”