Beck Center Completes $4.5 Million Phase 1 Renovation

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Beck Center for the Arts will celebrate the completion of phase one of its $4.5 million capital improvement project on Wednesday.

Parts of Beck Center's campus were 100-years-old and required renovation, officials said. During construction, the oldest part of the main building were updated, improving accessibility and creating state-of-the-art classrooms for the visual arts programs, creative arts therapies, theater classes and a new dance studio.

“Completing this first phase of our renovation project during a pandemic is a testament to Beck Center’s superb board leadership, the talent of our staff, and the generosity of hundreds of individuals. We are more than grateful to our community for standing by us. With the continued support of those who believe in the power of the arts, we hope to complete this “Creating Our Future” capital campaign by the end of 2021 so that we can finish the renovations and create arts experiences for generations to come," said Lucinda Einhouse, president and CEO of Beck Center.

During a private ribbon-cutting ceremony, Lakewood Mayor Meghan George, Cuyahoga County Councilman Dale Miller, state Sen. Nickie Antonio, and state Rep. Michael Skindell, will celebrate the completion of the work. The event will be streamed on Facebook Live, but will not be open to the public due to COVID-19 concerns.

Design and construction of the Beck Center renovation was handled by Bialosky Cleveland and Turner Construction. Bialosky Cleveland also designed the Edgewater Beach House and American Greetings Headquarters, while Turner Construction worked on Playhouse Square and the Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Clinic Health Education Campus.

During phase two of construction, crews will create a new ADA accessible entryway, a new marquee, new bathrooms and reconfigure the customer service area. As additional campaign funds are secured, attention will be turned to the southern side of the campus, where the Center for Music and Creative Arts Therapies will be created. The roof of the main building will also be raised to create a Center for Dance Education.

“As Board Chair, I have been inspired by the passion, commitment and dedication of our Beck family to charge ahead with a major renovation in the midst of a world- wide pandemic. And as a visual arts student myself, I am thrilled for my fellow students of all ages who will thoroughly enjoy our beautiful new classrooms and studios," Pat Oliver said.