ST CATHARINES PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE A story of community, partnership and revitalization
Our Agenda History of project development Community engagement Project Planning Phase Funding Design The Future
Once upon a time The Centre Theatre, 1939 1962, James Street, Downtown St. Catharines
More recently, Carousel Players production of The Big League Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, Downtown St. Catharines
Figures from 2008 Performing Arts Community Needs Assessment Minimum Use Days in a Future Venue 700 seats 500 seats 399 seats 250 seats 125 seats 50 seats Theatre & 24 165 256 Dance Music 24 29 19 8 18 4 Festivals 1 1 3 5 Totals 24 30 44 176 279 4
2000-2010 Municipal Cultural Policy & Investment motivates cultural sector more leadership, activity and community engagement grows awareness of sector amongst decision-makers and in community Group show at the Niagara Artists Centre artist-created mini putt course Lilli-Putting
The beginnings of the partnership New Leadership at University (2005) and at City (2006) in the community - $15 million donation of Marilyn I Walker was a game changer (2008) New Planning Strategy Culture considered alongside land-use and economic planning
St. Catharines Downtown Creative Cluster Masterplan Vision for the Future of Downtown Active and vibrant Diverse and dynamic sense of place Pedestrian friendly Safe and secure Sustainable Amenities for residents and visitors Economically viable
Key Components of downtown development include: Relocation of the Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and the development of a new Arts centre downtown Two-way traffic in downtown Bring the Wine Route Downtown Niagara Interactive Media Arts Cluster ngen McMaster Family Medicine Clinic Arena expansion for 5000 seats Reconstruction of Carlisle parking garage Designation of Welland Canal as a National Heritage Corridor Destination ++
Feasibility Study City and University enter into MOU to do a joint Feasibility Study that evaluates: Feasibility of concept Site selection Business Plan Economic Impact Benefits of partnership Structure of future relationship
Original Concept of Arts Centre
Core Business: A Triumvirate of Programming Arts Centre (City): Touring performances Local creations and productions MIW SFPA (Brock): Research and development Performances and exhibits Robert Cooper, Artistic Director of Chorus Niagara, photo by Kevin Argue
Operating Investment, and Return Capital Cost of Arts Centre Anticipated Operating Budget Anticipated Subsidy per annum $58+ million $4.5 million $1.5 million Total direct and indirect economic impact of start-up Indirect economic impact per year $178 million $16 million All figures are estimates from Feasibility Study
The Arts Community is Working Together CRAM Art Collective Canada s Smallest Art Gallery
Funding Falls Into Place $18 million each from City of St. Catharines Province of Ontario Government of Canada Additional $22 million from Province for University $1010 million project was underway
Triumvirate Moves Forward City invites community and university stakeholders to the table to activity participate in the design of the future arts centre (User Group Committee established in 2011) City and University keep project moving forward as partnership agreement is developed and signed (2011) City hires Executive Director in 2011
End of Part 1 Over to Steve
The Here and Now St Catharines Performing Arts Centre and the transformative ability of this development. How the design was developed for the PAC The inside layout of the PAC The exterior design A Video Animation
Some Points for Discussions 1. Downtown revitalization 2. How Arts contribute to a community 3. Arts and the local economy
SITE PLAN
Raceway Heritage Patterns at the Canada Hair Cloth Building Raceway Fragments stone retaining walls Raceway Walkway references pattern of hydro-power raceway Bridges and Crossings provides reference for Plaza and Link Canopy
SITE PLAN
Stairway connections from St Paul to Raceway
ca. 1915 building faces hold the street edge - ST. PAUL ELEVATION
building height maintains the datum - ST. PAUL ELEVATION
View from Garden Park - BOX OFFICE ENTRANCE
building cantilevers and canopy overhangs - CARLISLE AND ST. PAUL
ca. 1919 Heritage of the 2 nd Canal - CANAL VALLEY
view from Westchester - CANAL VALLEY
sketch-view from Westchester Bridge - CANAL VALLEY
Discussion Point #1 - Revitalization Bring new people into an area Diverse pedestrian traffic Transforms or reinvents an area Encourages development Encourages business improvement Reduces vacancies
Access to the Arts St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre STREET LEVEL Diamond and Schmitt Architects
St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre UPPER LEVEL Diamond and Schmitt Architects
St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre LOWER LEVEL Diamond and Schmitt Architects
St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre RACEWAY LEVEL Diamond and Schmitt Architects
PAC + Brock = 3 St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre SITE SECTION Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Natural Acoustic mode 800 SEAT - CONCERT HALL Single Room concept performers and audience together Natural Acoustic room shape and materials
Amplified mode 800 SEAT - CONCERT HALL Single Room concept simple transformation Amplified Acoustic retains architectural character
Concert Hall Acoustic Design Issues Acoustic Mode Amplified Mode Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Proscenium seating simple transformations Amplified or Natural Acoustic wall materials proscenium mode closed 185 SEAT - THEATRE DANCE VENUE
TDV Theatre Dance Venue Acoustic Design Issues Acoustic Mode Amplified Mode Diamond and Schmitt Architects
285 SEAT - RECITAL HALL Master class concept stage connects to aisles Natural and Amplified Acoustic fabric in upper arcade
Recital Hall Acoustic Issues Acoustic Mode Amplified Mode Diamond and Schmitt Architects
190 SEAT - FILM/LECTURE THEATRE Multiple screening formats adjustable screen curtain Amplified Acoustic fabric absorption
Discussion Point #2 - Community Highest form of expression of a civilized society Expression of the time and place Builds vibrancy and a sense of shared identity Promotes community cohesion Builds tolerance of ideas and difference A place for the community to interact Enrich the quality of life
A Community Room on St. Paul St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre LOBBY Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Four Theatres in One PAC St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre ST. PAUL STREET ELEVATION Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Planting the Flag St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre CARLISLE STREET Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Linking to Brock St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre VIEW FROM RACEWAY Diamond and Schmitt Architects
A Postcard Presence on St. Catharines Skyline St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre VIEW TOWARDS RACEWAY Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Discussion Point #3 - Economy For every $1 spent on a Theatre tickets - $3 is spent in the local economy. $500,000 spen on tickets equals $1.5 million Stimulates growth and development new jobs Diversifies the economic base Positive effect on property values increasing personal wealth Increase taxation sustainable city wealth
Rebecca Cann and Steve Solski, City of St. Catharines www.scatharines.ca THANK YOU!