USD 408 performing arts center to open Dec. 10 years ago
Sports reporter
The time has come.
The first building approved in the April 2006, USD 408 Marion-Florence bond election is scheduled to be finished in mid-December.
Board members voted unanimously Monday to make Dec. 10 the scheduled date to open the performing arts center located next to Marion High School.
The gymnasium/indoor pool building is scheduled to be finished at the beginning of May.
As of now the board will have its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 a.m. on the 10th, an open house for the public in the afternoon, and the first performance in the building at 7 p.m.: the MHS Christmas concert.
"It's really going to be a nice performing arts center for our students and the community," USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker said.
Board member Jan Helmer agreed.
"I'm exited, I think it's going to be a great building — probably better than I envisioned," she said.
The 550-seat building is in the final stages, and a walk inside reveals the completion is near.
The stage floor, situated in the southwest corner of the building, has been installed, but the seats have yet to be put in place.
Construction team members currently are working on the acoustical cloud ceiling, which consists of curves and angles that reduce reflective sound during performances.
On the north side of the building, a vocal music classroom is near completion, as well as dressing and rest rooms for performing students.
Concert-goers mingling in the foyer can look east out of the front doors and see a fountain or planter that will be constructed from the remaining rock from the project.
The remaining land on the east side of the building will be used for parking.
The board also is looking at other parking options on the northwest side near the Hill School, and possibly the northeast side as well.
Leiker also acknowledged there always is a possibility for delays, but does not expect any.
"It will be so nice to have performances in there," he said. "The excitement is really building up."
