The Arts Union project has been in the planning stages for some time, but as a result of its complexity and scale is still some time away from construction. The design team led by Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle Architects completed the schematic design in January. The project will have multiple phases and the schematic design process has identified which parts of the new facility and building site will be developed in the first phase.

The mix of what is included in Phase I has remained unchanged, except for the Black Box Theater. Instead of fully building out the Black Box Theater, current plans suggest an alternative approach – using the 1954 gymnasium largely as-is and thus acquiring an open space similar to the Black Box Theater, but also larger and more flexible. Current ideas for the first phase include renovation of the 1910 building, demolition of the 1954 cafeteria with new construction. Following phases will re-program the use of the 1934 auditorium and 1954 gym. Design plans also include new construction to enclose the space in between the buildings to create an "atrium" type space.

Escalating costs due to the effects of inflation have increased the preliminary cost estimates from what we had developed a year ago. The College is concurrently working with the contractor, McGough Construction, to refine cost estimates as design work develops

Next steps for the Arts Union will focus on elaborating the design through Design Development with the architect, and using the schematic design materials to communicate with potential donors, alumni, and others about the project.

View the preliminary drawings and 3-D video flythrough.