An Arts Center Takes Shape

Two months after the the sanctuary of what was once a Christian Science Church at 801 Magnolia Ave, a new arts center is starting to come to life.

The old chandeliers in the main hall of the city building have been illuminated, spreading a warm glow over the intimate performance space that is flanked by a wall of classic french doors. The musty blue carpet has been pulled up to reveal wood floors. 

A paint job has created a blank canvas for art to be hung in the space outside the hall. A sump pump has gone in and the basement is now dry, making room for the set pieces and filing cabinets full of sheet music that could be stored there. The new furnace is working.

But there's much left to be done before the venue hosts its first performance and art opening Aug. 28.

The lawn irrigation system turned out to be leaking and repairs were added to the to-do list. just Monday to let the arts center construct restrooms in a portion of the former education wing of the building, so PCA President Nancy Lehrkind is now bidding on eBay for a chairlift to provide disabled access to the facilities.