STATE COLLEGE — As a step toward completing the community performing arts venue project and to help enhance the cultural impacts of the Centre Region, the Nittany Performing Arts Center Board of Directors sought approval for a letter of support from the Centre County Board of Commissioners during the Nov. 28 meeting.
Support from the commissioners is fundamental for the grant submission through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account, facilitated by the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority.
Doug Meyer from the Nittany Performing Arts Center Board of Directors spoke on the significance of the grant during the meeting.
Meyer outlined the organization’s mission.
“Nittany Performing Arts Center is basically a collection of performing arts groups in the area who don’t have a place to perform,” Meyer said.
Meyer emphasized that the Nittany Performing Arts Center, founded in 2017, has been working with the Redevelopment Authority over the last few years with the understanding that the Pugh Street Garage in downtown State College would be demolished in the near future.
“So, we are going to apply for this grant through the RDA. They have approved it, and we have our final meeting on Nov. 29 to do this,” Meyer told the BOC.
The grant, currently at 90% completion, aims to secure funding for the final architectural rendering, including the parking garage, performing arts center, rooftop terrace and surrounding area.
Meyer highlighted the importance of the proposed large theater space, noting the need for adequate room for a symphony orchestra, dressing rooms and a 200-seat theater for smaller productions.
“Basically, what’s missing in our community is an 800-seat theater that has space and a big enough stage for a symphony orchestra and orchestra pit,” Meyer said. “Some of the things that all of these groups — the symphony, the chamber orchestra, the ballet — really need to have to do a super job.”
Commissioners Vice Chair Amber Concepcion expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on downtown State College, foreseeing it as an opportunity for economic growth.
“This will be an amazing project when/if it’s completed for downtown State College in terms of bringing folks into the area. Then, they’ll shop and eat at restaurants, and it seems like it’ll be a great economic driver,” Concepcion remarked.
In a unanimous decision, the BOC approved the motion to provide a letter of support for the Nittany Performing Arts Center Board of Directors.
The approval marks a major step forward for the completion of the project as well as signaling the potential for positive impacts in the community.
