Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts

Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina is a $78.1 million^[1] 3,000-seat performing arts facility scheduled to open in 2018.^[2] It will replace 2,400-seat War Memorial Auditorium in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex; the auditorium was torn down in October 2014. When complete, it will become the largest performing arts center in North Carolina. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro raised $35 million privately, to be paid over ten years. The city of Greensboro is paying $30 million. Construction was delayed a year so the foundation could get a $25 million bank loan to guarantee its contribution. The Greensboro Symphony and Guilford College's Bryan Series are expected to use the facility.^[3][4] The facility will also host Broadway productions and concerts.^[5] The facility is named for Steven Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, who pledged $7.5 million toward the project in 2013. After working for a year, a task force recommended a state of the art center in February 2013.^[6]

History

In 2000, Greensboro arts groups wanted a new performance facility or changes to existing facilities which were inadequate. War Memorial Auditorium, with 2,400 seats, was too large for some events but had a small stage and orchestra pit as well as poor acoustics, though Coliseum Managing Director Matt Brown had plans for $5 million in improvements but no funding. Carolina Theatre downtown had 1,100 seats. A preliminary study recommended a performing arts center with 1,700 to 2,000 seats, and a smaller 500-seat facility. The study also said the city had enough events for both existing and new facilities. Arts leaders wanted a more detailed study.^[7]

A 2001 downtown master plan estimated the cost of a new performing arts center at between $35 and $45 million. A feasibility study was done in 2004.^[8]

2006 and 2008 bond referendums to renovate were unsuccessful.^[9] In 2008, Brown said events were being lost to the Durham Performing Arts Center and that Greensboro was entitled to a facility of equal quality. Until that happened, the auditorium could be repaired as needed, but that would not be enough.^[10]

In January 2012, Brown asked the city council to consider a $36 million performing arts center to replace the auditorium, paid for with $25 million in bonds and $11 million in accommodations tax revenues. A Greensboro Performing Arts Center Task Force began meeting in February. At their first meeting, Interim City Manager Denise Turner Roth said a downtown location, which the city council wanted, would cost up to $15 million more, with $10 million of that amount coming from donations.^[11]

In June 2012, the task force recommended a 3000-seat $60 million facility downtown.^[9] Originally, the city-owned former YMCA site was to be used but it was not enough. Land was purchased at North Elm and Lindsay Streets and Summit Avenue at a cost of $11.5 million.^[2]

During the closing ceremony for War Memorial Auditorium on September 4, 2014, Brown showed what the planned veterans' memorial would look like. Names of veterans shown on plaques at the auditorium would eventually go in the new memorial near the Tanger Center.^[12]

Because the Tanger Center is expected to lose money in its early years, a new premium parking lot at the Coliseum Complex will be used to help with operating expenses. Expected revenue from the lot is nearly $400,000 a year. A second, 250-space lot at the Tanger Center is expected to provide $675,000 per year.^[4]

On July 29, 2015, the city revealed the cost of the center would be $58 million, $8 million over the original estimate, and not including $11.5 million for the land. This was after cuts had been made, and more cuts are expected.^[13]

On December 8, 2015, the city council approved a plan to raise $11 million more for the center, after it became clear the original budget was already exceeded by more than $10 million. The Chamber of Commerce building would be replaced by VIP parking expected to provide $1.6 million. Private donors would be asked for $3.5 million more. Ticket service fees would be $1 more, and $1 less of the existing $3 service fee would go to arts groups, with each raising a projected $3.75 million over 25 years. Also, $4.4 million of the costs would be eliminated if possible. The city would also have to authorize $9,617,858 in bonds.^{[2] [14]}

At a January 27, 2016 news conference, H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture showed designs for the exterior and lobby. The facade will be limestone and glass. The lobby will include art to be paid for by a donation.^[1]

On February 17, 2016, Phillips Foundation announced a $1.5 million grant; this is in addition to a $3.5 million grant in May 2013, for which the 8000-square-foot lobby will be named Phillips Hall.^[15]

References

External links

• Official website