Walton Arts Center to host additional public input sessions on Dickson Street expansion

A conceptual rendering shows what an expanded Walton Arts Center could look like at the corner of Dickson Street and West Avenue in Fayetteville

Courtesy graphic

Walton Arts Center officials next week will host the second in a series of public forums designed to seek input and raise awareness about plans to expand their Dickson Street facility in Fayetteville.

The arts center is planning a $20 million renovation of the building, including a new facade and entryway at the corner of West Avenue, a larger lobby, an expanded Starr Theatre, additional backstage space, and a re-configured Rosen Memorial Rose Garden.

Public input meetings

Designing for the Future, Happy Hour: Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in McBride Studio (beverages & snacks will be provided).

Designing for the Future, Coffee Hour: Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. in McBride Studio (beverages & sandwiches will be provided).

Two opportunities to attend the forums are scheduled, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 30, both inside the center’s McBride Studio.

Staff with Portland-based firm Boora Architects will be available at both forums seeking feedback and answering questions about the project. Boora will also provide updated concept renderings and a timeline for the project.

WAC officials held two similar forums earlier this year.

The arts center in March was awarded $600,000 in Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission reserves to help pay for the planning, design, and pre-construction of the expanded Dickson Street facility.

The organization is also seeking about $6.9 million in funding as part of a proposal to extend HMR bonds originally used to build the Fayetteville Town Center, set to be decided by voters in a special election to be held Nov. 12.

For more information on Walton Arts Center’s expansion, visit our tag page.


Read the news release
WAC hosts public input sessions for proposed renovations to Dickson Street facility

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (October 23, 2013) – Walton Arts Center will host two Designing for the Future Forums on Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm and Wednesday October 30 at 12pm in McBride Studio (495 W. Dickson St). These forums are the second in a series designed to seek public input and raise awareness about plans to expand and renovate the 22 year old facility on Dickson Street. The community will have the opportunity to see new concept renderings, get an update on the timeline and provide feedback and questions regarding the process.

Designing for the Future Forums will feature Boora Architects, the design architects for the Dickson Street renovation project. There will be two opportunities to attend:

Designing for the Future Happy Hour: Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm in McBride Studio (beverages & snacks will be provided).
Designing for the Future Lunch Hour: Wednesday, October 30 at 12pm in McBride Studio (beverages & sandwiches will be provided).
Over the past 22 years, Walton Arts Center has become a cultural cornerstone of Fayetteville entertainment district. To continue attracting the best national tours, supporting local arts groups and providing learning programs for students, the aging Dickson Street facility needs upgrades and more space. Renovations will include a new lobby and plaza, technical theater upgrades, increased capacity and flexibility in Starr Theater and more backstage and support space. For more details, visit http://www.waltonartscenter.org/about/media-and-press/latest-news/.

On November 12, Fayetteville residents will have the chance to vote on refinancing Town Center bonds to help fund renovations of Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street, and a new regional park. This initiative will not raise taxes—it will simply redirect existing funds from the HMR tax. Early voting begins on November 5. To learn more about the upcoming election, join the 3 Votes for Fayetteville group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3votesforfayetteville/

*To RSVP to a future forum Beth Bobbitt at [email protected] and indicate which session you will attend.

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