The new James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts has been in construction for over two years now, but there is an end in sight.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction workers on sight dropped considerably from the 150 workers throughout 2018 and 2019, slowing the process down slightly.
The Martin Center is set to have a 1,200 seat Grand Hall, a 3,000 square-foot Tindall Lobby and a black box theater named after Bert C. Bach. With all area and amenities, the planning and principle purchasing for the construction was done pre-outbreak, which was key to allowing construction to continue on schedule.
“The Martin Center construction will be complete this fall,” said Pamela Adolphi, general facilities manager and assistant director for the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. “However, since we are not able to focus on hosting events or gatherings when we first occupy the facility, we are working closely with our academic areas of music, and theater and dance to provide accommodations for classes and other academic commitments as they determine a need.”
The questions of COVID-19 and safely operating the Martin Center are at the forefront after construction of the center is complete. The center is set to be a hub for the arts, hosting events and shows, but that might take longer to reach as an end to the pandemic might push full functionality of the center to fall 2021.
“With all of the uncertainties surrounding the COVID pandemic, it is difficult to say with affirmation,” Adolphi said. “We hope to be able to host some in-person events in the spring semester but we are looking toward summer and fall 2021 for operations and events to be more in line with the intended vision of the Martin Center.”
In light of the current national health situation, with the Martin Center set to complete this fall, the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts is looking optimistically to alternatives on how to use the space until the COVID-19 virus is under control.
“In the meantime, we are in conversations regarding creative ways to engage with our audiences and community to celebrate the arts,” Adolphi said.
