The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Groundbreaking for Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

 

Monday, March 23, 2009

Contact: Iris Foster, Interim Public Information Officer, 552-2806

 
Wagner Noel Performing Arts CenterThe symbolic gilt shovels will be poised to break ground Friday, April 3, at 2 p.m. for the much-anticipated Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center next to UTPB’s Center for Energy and Economic Development (CEED) at SH 191 and FM 1788 near Midland International Airport.
 
Elected officials, UT System officers, members of the Community Advisory Committee, Founders Campaign donors, and citizens from throughout the Permian Basin are expected to gather under a tent to hear an extended brass group from the Midland Odessa Symphony, and welcome the addition of a state-of-the-art music and theater facility to this area. The public is invited to attend, and a reception will follow the groundbreaking inside the CEED.
 
Designed by Boora Architects of Portland, OR and Rhotenberry Wellen Architects of Midland, Hunt Construction Group of Dallas was awarded the bid. Construction is set to begin immediately, and the facility is scheduled to be completed in early 2012. 
 
Special features of the center include:
  • Performance Hall—1,800-seat theater offering excellent acoustics, a stage extension, two balconies, and parterre orchestra seating for extraordinary sight lines, comfort, and convenience. The eight-story structure will include state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and theatrical features which accompany stage and back-of-house areas.
  • The Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall—200-seat, acoustically-treated venue designed to host recitals, lectures, and receptions with retractable seating allowing meal functions with a separate catering kitchen.
  • Grand Lobby—a vast open area rising three stories and containing a grand staircase, elevators, fixed and movable concessions, ticket windows and coat check area.

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center will be a landmark for the entire region, and is certain to become the venue of choice for a wide range of activities from community and regional events to Broadway and other theater, to symphony, ballet, opera, and traveling commercial entertainment.

For more information about the groundbreaking, please call UTPB’s Public Information Office at 432-552-2805.