Performing Arts Center

September 10, 2008 Update

Western Illinois University personnel and community members got to look at what the proposed Performing Arts Center would look like and how it would fit into the southwest quadrant of campus during an August 19th presentation of the schematic design.

Charles Smith of O'Donnell, Wicklund, Pigozzi, and Peterson (OWP/P) of Chicago and Phoenix, the lead architectural firm; and Mitch Hirsch of Pelli Clarke Pelli (PCP) of New Haven, CT, the building design firm, were on campus to make the presentations.

Watercolor of proposed Performance Arts Center building

Hirsch and members of the PCP design team reviewed several boards with floor-by-floor schematics of the 120,000 sq.ft. center, as well as a 1/16th scale model with approximately 75 university and community people in attendance. Floor plans, cut-out sections of the main auditorium and an orchestra shell, as well as proposed building materials and colors were presented.

Level 1 Schematic Drawing of new Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Center will include a 1,400-seat proscenium theatre auditorium with two balconies, a 250-seat thrust stage, and a 150-seat studio theatre. There will also be dance, jazz, orchestra, and vocal performance rehearsal studios; dressing rooms adjacent to the theatres; a scenery/design workshop and a costume shop; administration offices; and a loading dock which will accommodate semis and buses for professional touring companies and orchestras.


More September 10, 2008 update drawings and photos

July 23, 2007 update and drawings

Western's Performing Arts Center Progress
Date
Title
9/11/08 PAC Design Schematics Available to View Link will open in a new browser window
8/14/08 Public Invited to PAC Schematic Design Presentation August 19 Link will open in a new browser window
6/18/07 Conceptual Scheme Chosen for WIU Performing Arts Center Link will open in a new browser window
5/31/07 Performing Arts Center Public Forum on Design June 13 Link will open in a new browser window
4/25/07 PAC Media Advisory Link will open in a new browser window
3/7/07 Governor Recommends Funds for PAC, Riverfront Campus Link will open in a new browser window
2/23/07 IBHE Recommends Funds for PAC, Riverfront Campus Link will open in a new browser window
9/18/06 CDB Selects Architect for Performing Arts Center Link will open in a new browser window
7/28/06 Architecture Firms to Make PAC Presentations Link will open in a new browser window
2/16/06 Planning Funds Released for Performing Arts Center at Western Link will open in a new browser window
2/3/04 IBHE Recommends PAC, Quad Cities Funds for Western Link will open in a new browser window
12/12/02 Performing Arts Center Would Create Arts Quadrangle Link will open in a new browser window
12/11/02 IBHE Recommends Funding for Western Performing Arts Center Link will open in a new browser window
12/4/02 IBHE Staff Recommends Partial Funding for Performing Arts Center Link will open in a new browser window

For more information, contact Paul Kreider, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at 309/298-1618 or via email at PK-Kreider@wiu.edu.