The Emporia Arts Council might soon have a new home as it is coming within reach of its fundraising goal.
Construction of the new council building could start as early as this summer if the council can raise the final $197,000 of its $2.8 million goal.
“We know we have a great challenge ahead of us,” council director Melissa Windsor said, “but we know it’s definitely possible.”
The new building will be a 16,000-square-foot, two-story building adjacent to the north of the Granada Theatre, at the site of the former Dayton’s Toy and Hobby Shop and Tallgrass Art and Frame shop. The council also has purchased a vacant building at 815 Commercial St. from Fred and Lillian Spellman.
The new center will hold classrooms, galleries, a retail store, three art studios, a library, a kiln, pottery wheels, a ceramic work area and a 130-seat theater. There will be the possibility using the building in conjunction with events at the Granada Theatre.
Windsor said all of the fundraising must be completed and the money in hand before construction can start.
“We have set a goal for ourselves that we want to have all the fundraising completed by the summer so we can start construction,” Windsor said.
Overall, Windsor said, she is pleased with how the fundraising campaign has gone.
“It’s been very exciting to see all the people that have come out and have interest and excitement about the project,” she said. “We’re very close, but we’re still not there, so we really do have lots of room for support.”
It’s not too late to participate in the campaign, she said, and if anyone has difficulty making a one-time donation, there are pledges and gifts that can be given over a five-year period.
“I think everyone realizes that what we’re doing is important for the community,” Windsor said. “It’s important for our families and our future.”
And the new arts council could be an economic boon for the city.
“I think also that we’re recognizing that it’s a major part of economic development in our community,” she said, “and so now is the time to invest in something like this so that we can ensure that we’ll have a successful future.”