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Your Georgia Connection: Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479
Fine Arts Building to Employ Latest Design Elements By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
After years of planning and negotiations, work has finally begun on the $25 million Fine Arts Center at Albany State University (ASU) in Albany, Ga. According to school officials, the highly anticipated building will employ the latest in design elements, along with environmental efficiencies, life cycle cost considerations and teaching technologies. “We are overwhelmed that our current and future students will now be able to receive exemplary instruction in a state-of-the-art facility. All of our stakeholders are excited about the fine arts center construction, and the impact it will have on the institution and the southwest Georgia region,” said Wendy Wilson, special assistant to the president for strategic communications and university relations. In April, 2016, the university held a formal ceremony on campus to kick off the project. University administrators and local and state officials turned small piles of dirt with shovels to signify the start of construction on the 81,000 sq. ft. (7,525 sq m) building. “The groundbreaking was extremely rewarding,” said Wilson, who also served as the groundbreaking committee chair. “We had supporters from across the local, regional and state communities who came out to witness and experience this historic event. “This project is an indicator of ASU’s investment in our students and the greater community.” The building is fully funded by the state through the issuance of general obligation bonds. Officials
A rendering of the completed Fine Arts Center at Albany State University.
and a “black box” studio theater. Art, music, speech, theater and music education will be moved from Holley Hall into the new facility. Designed to achieve maximum space and utility, the building will incorporate more than 50 professional staff offices, 12 classroom labs for English and general instruction and eight studio art classrooms. Larry Wakefield, special assistant to the president for special projects, said students have many options regarding fine arts degree programs. “Our goal as an institution is to continue to provide premier instruction. State-of-the-art resources enhances the level of instruction and increases our opportunity to attract top students from across the nation.” Wakefield added that the new structure comes not a moment too soon. “This facility has been long see ALBANY page 2
said the state has an excellent bond rating and is able to borrow at low cost. The Fine Arts Center will be located on the upper campus, between the Billy C. Black Building and Residence Hall 5, and is expected to open in the fall of 2017. Art Dunning, ASU president said, “Creative industries in Georgia provide $29 billion in annual revenue, so this center will help in regional economic development through university performances and community productions that will be held there.” The building will include multipurpose instructional spaces, lecture and recital halls, a band rehearsal room, instrumental and choral rehearsal spaces, art studios
Reginald Christian photo
After years of planning and negotiations, work has finally begun on the $25 million Fine Arts Center at Albany State University (ASU) in Albany, Ga.