Auburn University has begun construction of its new Performing Arts Center. Heralded as the epicenter for the campus’ arts district, the building site is located across South College Street from the Auburn University Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, and has an anticipated opening date of spring 2019.
“Together the two buildings will create a gateway into campus and become a nexus for the arts in Auburn,” tvsdesign Principal Architect Bob Balke said. “The Performing Arts Center will also become the focal point for a new arts district as a counterpoint at this end of campus to Toomer’s Corner at the other.”
TVS Alabama Inc., (tvsdesign) is serving as the Architect of Record and is working with an Associate Architect, Boston firm Wilson Butler Architects, on the theater design. The firms were selected to work together by an on-campus charrette and interview process in 2016.
Programming in the new performing arts center will include a wide range of high-quality artistic opportunities, from nationally touring Broadway productions to dance, orchestra, and symphony performances, to student and faculty music and theater performances. The theater will seat 1,200 in the main performance hall, which features an open lobby. The outdoor porch and lawn will serve as an additional performance venue. Design and construction of the new Performing Arts Center was made possible through a $25 million lead gift from 1957 graduates John and Rosemary Brown, who have been dedicated alumni partners for Auburn University for many years.