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Performing Arts Center Footprint
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Possible Theatre Placement
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Mitch Hirsch of Pelli Clark Pelli presented the three conceptual schemes at the June 13, 2007 public forum.
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Community members examine a scale model of the University campus with the various PAC conceptual schemes.
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A closer look at the scale model with Mitch Hirsch of Pelli Clark Pelli.
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Conceptual Scheme Chosen for WIU Performing Arts Center

June 18, 2007

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MACOMB, IL - - The long-awaited Performing Arts Center at Western Illinois University is one step closer after a June 12-13 visit by design/architect group Pelli Clark Pelli of New Haven (CT).

Mitch Hirsch and Gina Narracchi of Pelli Clark Pelli present three conceptual schemes proposed for the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) to the PAC planning committee and to a well-attended public forum to receive comments from the community.

"The Performing Arts Center project is progressing on schedule, as contracted by the Capital Development Board," said Paul Kreider, dean of Western's College of Fine Arts and Communication and co-chair of the PAC planning committee. "The community and the planning committee were in agreement, and chose the scheme that demonstrates a community-friendly facility described as 'inviting and welcoming' with its three 'front doors.'"

The scheme is not a design, but rather a rendering of rectangle-linear spaces that show the basic footprint of the facility on the site, Kreider said. The design team will return to WIU in mid-July to conclude the pre-design phase of the project. The design phase is scheduled to conclude in November.

Western's Performing Arts Center will house a 1,400-seat proscenium theatre auditorium, a 250-seat thrust stage and a 150-seat studio theatre for student convocations for College of Fine Arts and Communication recitals, theatre and dance productions, Bureau of Cultural Affairs Performing Arts Series events, lectures, graduation ceremonies and local arts and civic functions.

Updated information and photos of the Performing Arts Center project is available on the web at www.wiu.edu/president/pac.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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