'Major' Renovations Coming to URI's Fine Arts Center

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — "Major changes" are coming to the University of Rhode Island's Fine Arts Center, school officials said Monday.

Work began on the new 82,000-square-foot building this past fall, and university officials said it's scheduled to be completed by late 2024.

The project received the go-ahead last year when Rhode Island voters approved bond Question 1, providing $107 million for major renovation projects at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island.

Of that, $57.3 million is slated for significant upgrades to URI's Fine Arts Center, removing half of the existing building and installing an 82,000-square-foot new academic building for the programs inside. University officials said the upgraded art building will include a new section with more classrooms and collaborative spaces.

"These new spaces will welcome guests and students into a new era of the arts and will continue our reputation for exceptional arts education," said David Howard, chair of URI Theatre. "In a sense, I think the new building will reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the art that is happening inside in a way the old building never has."

More information about the project can be found on URI's website.