The Community Performing Arts Center on the Prince William campus of George Mason University will someday host performers such as Manassas’ bluegrass-picking Radford Brothers and the world-renowned symphonic strains of the London Philharmonic, according to officials.
Prince William, Manassas and George Mason officials ceremoniously broke ground Wednesday on the $36 million, 96,000-square-foot facility.
“This is a very tangible symbol of the new Prince William County,” said Sean Connaughton, Prince William Board of County Supervisors chair. “People in the regionstill think of us as country cousins. [There should be an] understanding that the county is now one of the wealthiest in the nation with a fast-growing economy.”
The state-of-the-art, indoor center will have an intimate feel with 1,100 seats, the “kind of place performers love,” compared to the huge seasonal Nissan Pavilion, said Brian Marcus, GMU College of Visual and Performing Arts associated dean for development.
“Having a first-class facility will be a catalyst for growing activity and performing arts in the region,” he said.
Several local schools and performance groups will call the arts center home, in addition to the visiting professional acts, said Patricia Snelling, a GMU spokeswoman.
“I think culture is a community’s polish. It makes it shine,” said Sen. Charles Colgan, D-Manassas, who secured $4 million in state “seed money” for the project. The joint venture involving Manassas, Prince William and GMU is in the design phase and is expected to start construction by winter. The official opening is expected in three years.
“I’ve been challenged to wear a tuxedo for the first time in my life, and I look forward to that,” said Manassas City Mayor Douglas Waldron.
Community Performing Arts Center
» Total project: $56 million
» Design and construction: $36 million
» Land (donated by GMU): $3 million
» Construction management (in-kind by GMU): $500,000
» Fundraising management (in-kind by GMU): $500,000
» Private fundraising, endowment and operating fund: $16 million
Endowment raised so far: $3.5 million
