The Edmonds Public Facility District Board officially approved on Tuesday, Sept. 13 a $9.8 million contract with Sellen Construction Company for remodeling a former high-school and college campus into the new Edmonds Center for the Arts.
Sellen lost no time fencing the site located at 410 Fourth Ave. N. to begin renovation of the historic auditorium that will be the heart of the regional arts complex.
A public celebration of the start of the year-long construction project is set for 4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 in front of the complex. Rick Steves, owner of “Europe through the Back Door” travel company, will speak at the post-ground-breaking gathering.
There will be refreshments and from 4:30 – 6 p.m. Pearl Django, a gypsy jazz band, will entertain the crowd.
“This is a historic event in our community. After decades of hard work and with a passionate vision by so many citizens, we are about to see the historic Edmonds High School auditorium transformed into a first-class arts center,” said Gary Nelson, chairman Snohomish County Council.
“We believe the renovation of the arts center is important for so many reasons – culture, community, historic preservation and economic development,” said Terry Vehrs, president of the public facilities district. “The new center will serve the Edmonds community and take on greater regional significance, too.”
The capital campaign for the arts center will be active during the year ahead providing construction tours for donors and planning for the opening season. Dave Earling is leading the public phase of the capital campaign. Barb and Pat Fahey are co-chairs of the general capital campaign.
Other campaign chairs include Edwina and Richard Baxter, Lindsey and Carolyn Echelbarger, Gary and Dolly Haakenson, Gary and JoAnne Nelson, Mike and Wendy Popke, Judi Schmitt, Anne and Rick Steves, Bob Stevenson, Phil Smart Jr., and Terry and Lara Vehrs. More than 20 other community leaders are active with the capital campaign.
Volunteers are welcome to help with fund-raising and public awareness. Call 425-775-7724 for more information or visit www.edmondscenterforthearts.org.
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