Renovation and expansion of a facility for performing arts academic programs tops the list of capital construction budget requests approved Friday by the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees for the 2013-14 biennium.
The renovated Fine Arts Building will house the Music and Theatre and Dance departments. The project continues long range planning efforts to achieve areas of cultural distinction outlined in University Plan 3, UW's strategic plan. The first phase, a visual arts facility to house the Department of Art, is being constructed now and scheduled to be completed in December.
After the Art Department relocates to that facility, construction can begin on the performing arts facility that would include 120,000-square-feet of renovated space and a 51,900-square-foot addition. The facility design is expected to meet or exceed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) silver level. It houses offices, teaching laboratory/studios such as music, music rehearsal, acting and dance; and performance spaces such as concert halls and theatres.
The project is critical to maintaining requirements necessary for student success and recruiting and retention of both faculty and students, according to a report presented to the trustees. The facility will support the University Cultural Programs series that brings nationally- and internationally-recognized artists to campus and serve as a base to provide educational opportunities in which visiting artists share their expertise, not only with UW students but with state and regional residents.
This request is for $32.4 million in General Fund appropriations to complete construction documents as well as construction costs for the project. Construction completion is scheduled for November 2013.
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