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Dignitaries, donors, residents participate in topping out ceremony for performing arts center
Midland Reporter-Telegram
by Ruth Campbell
Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
At least 100 dignitaries, donors and area residents attended a topping out ceremony for the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on Tuesday at University of Texas of the Permian Basin's CEED Building.
Those turning out put their signatures on a 47-foot by 38-inch wide steel beam to be placed at the highest point of the 108,000-square-foot multi-story facility.
Being built off State Highway 191 and Farm-to-Market Road 1788, opening of the $89 million center is expected in 2012.
State Rep. Tom Craddick was the key to pushing $99 million in tuition revenue bonds through the Legislature three years ago that funded the performing arts center and a science and technology complex at UTPB. Other contributions were made by the UT System.
Funds for center also were donated fairly equally between Midland and Odessa, said Craddick, who attended the event with his wife, Nadine.
It will include an 1,800-seat, two-balcony performance hall and 200-seat primary theater. It also will feature classrooms for UTPB's music program.
Construction manager is Hunt Construction Group, and architects are Boora Architects of Portland, Oregon, and Rhotenberry-Wellen Architects of Midland, Texas.
Architect Jim Rhotenberry said the project is on schedule. |
Topping out is a traditional ceremony to mark a milestone in construction of significant builds. Ironworkers have continued the topping out event because their skills make them the first to reach the pinnacle of a structure, information from UTPB says.
"I think it's awesome," said Rays of Hope Director Vicky Jay, who attended with her husband, Paul. "I took a picture so my kids will know we were part of something great for the Midland-Odessa community."
Craddick said he had never had a chance before to participate in a topping out ceremony. "I think it's great. ... It really invigorates people to know (the project is) going to come about," Craddick said. "The main thing the people of the Permian Basin ought to be proud of is what they've done. They've raised almost equal amounts of money. I think it's going to draw a lot of people and a lot of activity to the Permian Basin."
Grant Billingsley, chairman of the steering committee that helped with the design and fundraising for the center, said the project is going "very well."
"It's very much on schedule and on budget," Billingsley said. "In just about two years, we should be here for the grand opening."
"I think it's an absolute demonstration of what can happen when these communities work together. There could hardly be any larger or more visible sign of what good things can happen," Billingsley said.
Midland Mayor Wes Perry said he had heard of topping off ceremonies before, but never been to one. "It was a very special day," Perry said. "I think about the investment and long-term impact of what it's going to mean for the communities. ... It's proof we are working together when we have approximately the same amount of money raised." |
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