Officials: Cost of Arts Common to Be at Least $25 Million

The region, to be bound by Franklin and South Columbia streets, Cameron Avenue and McCorkle Place, will include a 282-capacity underground parking deck and improved facilities for the departments of Arts, Music and Communications.

Project coordinators pitched a preliminary plan to the board, providing only information at this point. Subsequent meetings will determine an official approval of a long-term master plan for the project.

The project's representatives aim to create an improved environment for the arts to benefit both students and event attendees.

In addition, they hope to focus on the area's outdoor aesthetics.

"(It's) the last piece of historic campus that's not developed," said project manager Peter Mullan.

"(It will be) a bridge between the sylvan arcadia of McCorkle to the urban character of downtown Chapel Hill," he said, referring to the landscape development intended for the open space above the underground parking garage.

Proposed structural development and renovations will affect several buildings, including Smith Hall for the music department, the original Carnegie Library of Hill Hall, the Hanes Art Center and the front of Swain Hall.

And building additions are in store for the Ackland Art Museum and Hill Hall to accommodate an art and music library. New buildings also will be added.

Gerrard Hall and Playmakers Theatre also are under consideration for renovation, extending the project outside the bounds of Arts Common area.

Plans for both buildings entail air conditioning, heat, handicapped spaces and bathrooms, while an improved stage and seating will accommodate the Playmakers Theatre.

Once the final project is approved, coordinators will begin preliminary planning for construction to begin in 2004.

The first of several phases will necessitate the demolition of Abernethy Hall, Evergreen House and part of Swain to dig a hole for accommodating the parking garage.

For efficiency's sake, the basements of the outlying buildings will be renovated during the duration of the area's dig.

Thus far, $25 million in bonds has been allocated for the project, but coordinators say much more will be needed.

The parking garage will be constructed with money to be repaid by parking fees upon the structure's completion, but remaining development will necessitate fund raising throughout the project's entirety.

Steve Allred, chairman of the Arts Common Planning Committee, estimates a minimum project duration of 10 years at best, providing ample time for the establishment of finances through private donations, grants, gifts and additional bonds.

Fortunately, project support is strong. The committee includes Town Council representatives, Franklin Street business owners and Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy.

"They really care about the project," Allred said. "It will make it a more attractive destination for the town."

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.