Look Ahead: FMU Performing Arts Center nears groundbreaking, construction

Francis Marion University and the Florence community have reason to celebrate in 2009 with the groundbreaking of the FMU Performing Arts Center in late January 2009.

“Speaking as an old-timer, when conversations about a performing arts center were beginning to come up in the mid ’90s, it’s exciting to see what this will bring to downtown Florence and the whole Pee Dee,” said Libby Cooper, FMU vice president for public and community affairs.

“After a long process of planning, talking and dreaming, it’s a pretty nice Christmas present to know on Jan. 5 they’ll be moving dirt on that site,” she said.

The groundbreaking will happen about two months after the FMU Performing Arts Center governing board approved Coastal Division contractor MB Kahn to construct the center for a base project cost of $27,722, 218, which is less than the $30 million projected by the governing board before the bidding process for the construction contract.

With soft costs and such alternative projects as the sculpture garden and the amphitheater, the project cost will come to $32,881,000.

The base cost of the project will be paid for with money donated by the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, the state of South Carolina and the city of Florence.

The alternative costs will be paid for by private donations, one of which is a $325,000 donation by BB&T made in September.

“We’ve already secured funding for the amphitheater (and) in the not-too-distant future, we will announce a gift (to cover the expense) of the sculpture garden,” FMU President Dr. Fred Carter said.

Carter said he isn’t worried about funding for the Performing Arts Center.

“Fundraising for the (center) will be a part of this building for many years into the future. There’ll always be new components and programs we’ll need funds for,” he said.

In addition to being an important asset to Francis Marion University, the center will serve as an “anchor” to attract people and private businesses to the downtown area.

“I think this building will be a splendid complement to downtown,” Carter said.

Carter said residents of surrounding counties have expressed excitement about the construction of the center.

The center, he said, “will encompass artistic programs for the entire Pee Dee region.”

Residents will be pleased with the progress being made next year, Carter said.

“I think this time next year, we’ll have enough of that superstructure in place (and) people will be able to see the size of the building and the façade it presents to Dargan Street,” he said. “I think my fellow Florentines will be very pleased with this building.”

What’s next?

Francis Marion University President Fred Carter and fellow members of the FMU Performing Arts Center governing board look forward to site work starting on the future grounds of the center Jan. 5. A groundbreaking is expected in late January.

The year 2009, Carter said, will be a gradual but satisfying process as the center finally takes form in the midst of downtown Florence.