|
|  |
|
|
|
Cobb County’s $125 million performing arts center gained a new name as detailed plans for its construction were recently unveiled to the public.
Cobb County’s $125 million performing arts center gained a new name as detailed plans for its construction were recently unveiled to the public.
PLANS: Concept art for the exterior of the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at its location where I-285 meets I-75. The planned 3,000-seat theatre has been scaled down to 2,750 seats to heighten acoustics and improve the overall experience for attendees.
Construction is expected to begin in April on the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at its location where I-285 meets I-75. The estimated completion date is summer 2007.
“This will establish Cobb County as a true center for the arts,” said President and CEO of Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition Bill Nigut, who served as master of ceremonies during the groundbreaking in January.
“This is where people will come for a genuine arts experience. We should all be extremely proud.”
The anticipated arts facility will sit on 16 acres and feature an innovative, contemporary theatre with a glass curtain view to the rest of the property.
One of the most striking aspects of the theatre will be the elegant interior design with excellent sightlines and comfortable seating, members of the design team said.
The theatre will also optimize acoustics and create an intimate atmosphere. The planned 3,000-seat theatre has been scaled down to 2,750 seats solely to heighten acoustics and improve the overall experience, Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairman Sam Olens said.
To place their label on the regional arts facility, Cobb Energy paid $20 million towards its construction, which some speculated to be one of the largest naming rights deals ever for a performing arts center.
“By lending our name to the performing arts center, it fills a need locally for a state-of-the-art facility for the arts, while promoting the Cobb Energy brand in places – regionally and nationally – we would never have been able to go,” Cobb Energy President and Chief Executive Officer Dwight Brown said in a statement. “This is a good business decision for us.”
Managed by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, commonly called the Cobb Galleria Centre, the performing arts facility will also feature a special event space, 1,000-space parking deck and full-service food and beverage capabilities.
In a collaboration of local government and private sector, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners supported the project by approving the reallocation of an existing hotel-motel tax.
“This quality performance space will not only bring the performing arts closer to our residents, but it will make Cobb County a top spot in the region for exceptional, one-of-a-kind entertainment,” said Chairman Sam Olens, who also serves on the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority.
He added that the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts will impact the county economically, bringing businesses and conventions to the area.
Patrons of the performing arts facility should expect to see productions from big Broadway shows to concerts, symphony orchestras, and ballets.
Previously, some artists and shows opted not to come to Atlanta because they required a more intimate venue, according to Managing Director Wendy Riggs.
“Now they will have the ideal place to perform,” she said.
The design team and consultants are working hard to make sure each patron enjoys a flawless performance, Riggs said.
For example, the interior walls made of rich wood will add to the warmth and intimate atmosphere of the performance hall, in addition to creating outstanding acoustic support.
“From architectural acoustics to mechanical noise and vibration control, the team is shaping a theatre comparable in quality to Carnegie Hall or the Kodak Theatre,” Riggs said.
In addition to concerts, plays and productions, the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts is expected to also serve as an educational tool, focusing on community enrichment programs for all ages, she said.
|
|
