The Walton Arts Center wants to bring in bigger shows and more notable performers and in order to do that they are looking to expand into a new facility.
On Tuesday Walton Arts Center President and CEO, Peter Lane, announced the plan to build an estimated 180 million dollar facility, between six and ten acres, that would have a 2,100 seat theater and a smaller 600 seat multiuse room.
"We are an organization with three halls most of the time, it means we are limited in terms of adding performances and serving more school children," said Lane.
The location of the new facility has yet to be determined. However, the current Arts Center will remain in use. The current theater, located on Dickson Street, only seats 1,200. According to Lane that's not big enough for notable Broadway shows like "The Lion King," or juggernaut comedians like Jerry Seinfeld.
Lane said the new facility would accommodate the higher end performers and shows, while the current Walton Arts Center will keep a steady flow of productions just like they always have.
"In many cities there are multiple venues and it's our part to not overlap and pick the shows for the right venues that are good for our audience and the artist," said Lane.
Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan said he will try his best to make sure the new facility is in Fayetteville. "This city is prepared for the challenge to keep the Walton Arts Center here, this started in Fayetteville and we plan on keeping it here in the future," said Jordan.
One of Jordan's plans includes putting the new facility in the parking lot across from the current Arts Center and having a parking garage go along with it.
The Walton Arts Center hopes to have all site bids in place by March 15 and then pick a final location by the end of summer.
On Tuesday Walton Arts Center President and CEO, Peter Lane, announced the plan to build an estimated 180 million dollar facility, between six and ten acres, that would have a 2,100 seat theater and a smaller 600 seat multiuse room.
"We are an organization with three halls most of the time, it means we are limited in terms of adding performances and serving more school children," said Lane.
The location of the new facility has yet to be determined. However, the current Arts Center will remain in use. The current theater, located on Dickson Street, only seats 1,200. According to Lane that's not big enough for notable Broadway shows like "The Lion King," or juggernaut comedians like Jerry Seinfeld.
Lane said the new facility would accommodate the higher end performers and shows, while the current Walton Arts Center will keep a steady flow of productions just like they always have.
"In many cities there are multiple venues and it's our part to not overlap and pick the shows for the right venues that are good for our audience and the artist," said Lane.
Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan said he will try his best to make sure the new facility is in Fayetteville. "This city is prepared for the challenge to keep the Walton Arts Center here, this started in Fayetteville and we plan on keeping it here in the future," said Jordan.
One of Jordan's plans includes putting the new facility in the parking lot across from the current Arts Center and having a parking garage go along with it.
The Walton Arts Center hopes to have all site bids in place by March 15 and then pick a final location by the end of summer.
