PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian Marcus

703-993-8607

bmarcus@gmu.edu

 

 

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

 

·         COUNTY, CITY, STATE, GEORGE MASON PARTNERSHIP AND   PRIVATE SUPPORT MAKE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILTY A REALITY

·         LEAD GIFT FROM HYLTON FOUNDATION NAMES THE CENTER

 

Prince William, VA, May 1, 2008 – The Campaign for the Community Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of GeorgeMasonUniversity has announced that construction has begun on the 86,000 sq. ft. complex. 

 

The center is scheduled to open in spring 2010.

 

Campaign co-chair and former mayor of Manassas Dr. Marvin Gillum noted how pleased he and members of the campaign committee are with the start of construction and the support received from the community for this unique project.  “This project has been a dream of so many for many years and to see it become a reality is truly encouraging for the future of our city, county and region,” said Gillum.

 

The project is a partnership of PrinceWilliamCounty, the City of Manassas and

GeorgeMasonUniversity, along with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia

and the private sector.

 

Lead Gifts Lend Familiar Names to the Center

 

In recognition of a $5 million grant to the campaign by the Cecil D. and Irene V. Hylton Foundation of Dale City, Virginia, the center will be named the Hylton Performing Arts Center.  “The arts are very important to the quality of life throughout the Prince William Community, and we are very proud to take part in this special project,” said Conrad Hylton, president of the Hylton Foundation.  One-half of the grant is a challenge grant whereby all new commitments to the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $2.5 million, by the Hylton Foundation. 


 

Another distinguished name in Manassas and PrinceWilliamCounty will grace the HyltonCenter’s 1,166-seat main performance hall.  With a $1 million commitment from

Carol Merchant Kirby, the large performance space will be named Merchant Hall.  Kirby is a native of Manassas, a member of GeorgeMasonUniversity’s Prince William Campus Advisory Board, and a long-time patron of the arts.  Kirby noted, “I was born and raised in Manassas and raised my own family there.  It is a wonderful community and the Hylton Performing Arts Center will be a magnificent addition for all who live or visit the city and the region.  I am honored to help make it a reality.”

 

The second venue in the HyltonCenter will be the Gregory Family Theater.  This 300-seat flexible performance space is a $750,000 gift from John O. Gregory in memory of his wife Angela G. Gregory and son J. Scott Gregory.  John Gregory, a life-long resident of Manassas, is chairman of Gregory Construction, Inc. and, for over a half century, has played an important role in shaping the landscape of Manassas and PrinceWilliamCounty.  Noting his family’s commitment to the community, Gregory stated, “it has been a pleasure and privilege for me and my family to live and work in this wonderful community for many years.  It is an honor to play a role in this project that will bring so much enjoyment and economic benefits to all our residents.”

 

In addition to these three gifts, the HyltonCenter will partner with the Didlake Foundation.  As part of this relationship – made possible through the estates of Mr. and Mrs. Roger J. Costello – the center’s 10,000 sq ft. grand foyer will be named the Didlake Grand Foyer.

“Didlake is pleased to be a major partner in the effort to enrich the lives of all members of our community through arts and culture,” said Rex Parr, Didlake Foundation President.  The foundation supports programs that help meet the long-term needs of people with disabilities in PrinceWilliamCounty and Manassas.  The HyltonCenter will provide employment and volunteer opportunities for Didlake clients.  Didlake also will hold events at the center as well as display works from its Expressive Arts Program.

 

Local Business Community Support Critical to Success

 

The local business community has provided significant support for the HyltonCenter endowment campaign.  Lead gifts from Lockheed Martin Corporation, Buchanan Partners, American Type Culture Collection, Dominion, Temporary Solutions, Inc., Micron, Vulcan Materials, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nashanian, NOVEC, V2 Systems, Thompson and Associates, BB&T, Scott & Stringfellow, and Sammis and Associates, among others, illustrate the commitment of local businesses to this important element in the overall economic development of Prince William, Manassas and the region.  V2 Systems Chairman, Guy Hinkler noted, “The Hylton Center will add over $6.5 million annually to the local economy, and this will only grow over the years.  This is clearly a win-win for everyone involved.”

 

A History of Innovation and Partnership Success

 

Prince William County, Manassas and George Mason share a pioneering spirit that make them natural and dynamic partners.  The success of the Freedom Aquatic and FitnessCenter which opened on Mason’s Prince William Campus in 1999 gave the partners an indication of what an innovative team can accomplish together.  Kathleen Seefeldt, former chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and co-chair of the Hylton Center Campaign recalls the evolution of the idea for a performing arts center in Prince William.  “In 1990 we did a visioning exercise to imagine what we would like Prince William to look like in the decades ahead.  An important component was a first-class performing arts center to serve our local arts groups and bring international artists to our region.  We knew we couldn’t do it alone, but together with the private sector we could make it happen,” noted Seefeldt.

 

A Resource for the Entire Community

 

The mission of the HyltonCenter is to serve a variety of needs in the community. 

The center will:

 

 

A Facility Like No Other in our Region

 

The project design by Holzman Moss Architecture of New York and Hughes Group Architects of Sterling, Virginia features an environment that excites the imagination and reflects the values and traditions of the region through the use of natural materials and open space.  The primary spaces within the center include:

 

Merchant Hall

The 1,166-seat main performance hall will be unique in the metropolitan region.  Inspired by 19th century European opera houses, the space will soar upward rather than back as in a traditional auditorium, providing an intimate experience for performer and audience member alike.  Twenty-seven family boxes encircle a stage that is nine stories tall and can house anything from a Broadway play to a full ballet or symphony orchestra.  Variable acoustics will provide an environment excellent for both amplified and natural sound.

 

Gregory Family Theater

The 300-seat Gregory Family Theater will allow directors, designers, conductors and choreographers the opportunity to let their imaginations take flight.  The room can be configured in a variety of ways for dance, chamber music, theater or spoken presentations.  All seating can be stored so that the open space is available for receptions and rehearsal activities.

 

 

 

Didlake Grand Foyer

This 10,000 sq. ft, double height space will serve as the “town square” of the HyltonCenter.

The space will accommodate 300 for a seated dinner and over 600 for a reception.  It will be equipped to welcome business exhibits, organization meetings and private functions.

 

Buchanan Partners Gallery

A visual arts gallery on the second level, adjacent to the Patrons Lounge, will house rotating exhibits showing the best work of local artists in a variety of media.

 

Other spaces include a Patrons Lounge; scene, paint and costume shops; dressing rooms; catering kitchen, administrative offices and work space for visiting companies complete the picture of a 21st century facility built to serve our community today and for decades to come.

 

Curtain Going Up 2010

 

The HyltonCenter will open in spring 2010.  Jean Kellogg, executive director of the HyltonCenter and a Prince William resident, is excited about the opportunity the HyltonCenter presents for the entire community.  “This building will have a transformational effect on our region,” Kellogg said.  “World class performances and space for our local groups to grow professionally and organizationally is coming to Prince William and Manassas.  This is all happening due to the far-sighted vision of local leaders, the support of our advocates in Richmond, and the enthusiasm and generosity of the local community.”

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

 

·          COUNTY, CITY, STATE, GEORGE MASON PARTNERSHIP AND   PRIVATE SUPPORT MAKE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILTY A REALITY

·          LEAD GIFT FROM HYLTON FOUNDATION NAMES THE CENTER

 

Prince William, VA, May 1, 2008 – The Campaign for the Community Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of GeorgeMasonUniversity has announced that construction has begun on the 86,000 sq. ft. complex. 

 

The center is scheduled to open in spring 2010.

 

Campaign co-chair and former mayor of Manassas Dr. Marvin Gillum noted how pleased he and members of the campaign committee are with the start of construction and the support received from the community for this unique project.  “This project has been a dream of so many for many years and to see it become a reality is truly encouraging for the future of our city, county and region,” said Gillum.

 

The project is a partnership of PrinceWilliamCounty, the City of Manassas and

George Mason University, along with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia

and the private sector.

 

Lead Gifts Lend Familiar Names to the Center

 

In recognition of a $5 million grant to the campaign by the Cecil D. and Irene V. Hylton Foundation of Dale City, Virginia, the center will be named the Hylton Performing Arts Center.  “The arts are very important to the quality of life throughout the Prince William Community, and we are very proud to take part in this special project,” said Conrad Hylton, president of the Hylton Foundation.  One-half of the grant is a challenge grant whereby all new commitments to the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $2.5 million, by the Hylton Foundation. 


 

Another distinguished name in Manassas and PrinceWilliamCounty will grace the HyltonCenter’s 1,166-seat main performance hall.  With a $1 million commitment from

Carol Merchant Kirby, the large performance space will be named Merchant Hall.  Kirby is a native of Manassas, a member of GeorgeMasonUniversity’s Prince William Campus Advisory Board, and a long-time patron of the arts.  Kirby noted, “I was born and raised in Manassas and raised my own family there.  It is a wonderful community and the Hylton Performing Arts Center will be a magnificent addition for all who live or visit the city and the region.  I am honored to help make it a reality.”

 

The second venue in the HyltonCenter will be the Gregory Family Theater.  This 300-seat flexible performance space is a $750,000 gift from John O. Gregory in memory of his wife Angela G. Gregory and son J. Scott Gregory.  John Gregory, a life-long resident of Manassas, is chairman of Gregory Construction, Inc. and, for over a half century, has played an important role in shaping the landscape of Manassas and PrinceWilliamCounty.  Noting his family’s commitment to the community, Gregory stated, “it has been a pleasure and privilege for me and my family to live and work in this wonderful community for many years.  It is an honor to play a role in this project that will bring so much enjoyment and economic benefits to all our residents.”

 

In addition to these three gifts, the HyltonCenter will partner with the Didlake Foundation.  As part of this relationship – made possible through the estates of Mr. and Mrs. Roger J. Costello – the center’s 10,000 sq ft. grand foyer will be named the Didlake Grand Foyer.

“Didlake is pleased to be a major partner in the effort to enrich the lives of all members of our community through arts and culture,” said Rex Parr, Didlake Foundation President.  The foundation supports programs that help meet the long-term needs of people with disabilities in PrinceWilliamCounty and Manassas.  The HyltonCenter will provide employment and volunteer opportunities for Didlake clients.  Didlake also will hold events at the center as well as display works from its Expressive Arts Program.

 

Local Business Community Support Critical to Success

 

The local business community has provided significant support for the HyltonCenter endowment campaign.  Lead gifts from Lockheed Martin Corporation, Buchanan Partners, American Type Culture Collection, Dominion, Temporary Solutions, Inc., Micron, Vulcan Materials, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nashanian, NOVEC, V2 Systems, Thompson and Associates, BB&T, Scott & Stringfellow, and Sammis and Associates, among others, illustrate the commitment of local businesses to this important element in the overall economic development of Prince William, Manassas and the region.  V2 Systems Chairman, Guy Hinkler noted, “The Hylton Center will add over $6.5 million annually to the local economy, and this will only grow over the years.  This is clearly a win-win for everyone involved.”

 

A History of Innovation and Partnership Success

 

Prince William County, Manassas and George Mason share a pioneering spirit that make them natural and dynamic partners.  The success of the Freedom Aquatic and FitnessCenter which opened on Mason’s Prince William Campus in 1999 gave the partners an indication of what an innovative team can accomplish together.  Kathleen Seefeldt, former chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and co-chair of the Hylton Center Campaign recalls the evolution of the idea for a performing arts center in Prince William.  “In 1990 we did a visioning exercise to imagine what we would like Prince William to look like in the decades ahead.  An important component was a first-class performing arts center to serve our local arts groups and bring international artists to our region.  We knew we couldn’t do it alone, but together with the private sector we could make it happen,” noted Seefeldt.

 

A Resource for the Entire Community

 

The mission of the HyltonCenter is to serve a variety of needs in the community. 

The center will:

 

 

A Facility Like No Other in our Region

 

The project design by Holzman Moss Architecture of New York and Hughes Group Architects of Sterling, Virginia features an environment that excites the imagination and reflects the values and traditions of the region through the use of natural materials and open space.  The primary spaces within the center include:

 

Merchant Hall

The 1,166-seat main performance hall will be unique in the metropolitan region.  Inspired by 19th century European opera houses, the space will soar upward rather than back as in a traditional auditorium, providing an intimate experience for performer and audience member alike.  Twenty-seven family boxes encircle a stage that is nine stories tall and can house anything from a Broadway play to a full ballet or symphony orchestra.  Variable acoustics will provide an environment excellent for both amplified and natural sound.

 

Gregory Family Theater

The 300-seat Gregory Family Theater will allow directors, designers, conductors and choreographers the opportunity to let their imaginations take flight.  The room can be configured in a variety of ways for dance, chamber music, theater or spoken presentations.  All seating can be stored so that the open space is available for receptions and rehearsal activities.

 

 

 

Didlake Grand Foyer

This 10,000 sq. ft, double height space will serve as the “town square” of the HyltonCenter.

The space will accommodate 300 for a seated dinner and over 600 for a reception.  It will be equipped to welcome business exhibits, organization meetings and private functions.

 

Buchanan Partners Gallery

A visual arts gallery on the second level, adjacent to the Patrons Lounge, will house rotating exhibits showing the best work of local artists in a variety of media.

 

Other spaces include a Patrons Lounge; scene, paint and costume shops; dressing rooms; catering kitchen, administrative offices and work space for visiting companies complete the picture of a 21st century facility built to serve our community today and for decades to come.

 

Curtain Going Up 2010

 

The HyltonCenter will open in spring 2010.  Jean Kellogg, executive director of the HyltonCenter and a Prince William resident, is excited about the opportunity the HyltonCenter presents for the entire community.  “This building will have a transformational effect on our region,” Kellogg said.  “World class performances and space for our local groups to grow professionally and organizationally is coming to Prince William and Manassas.  This is all happening due to the far-sighted vision of local leaders, the support of our advocates in Richmond, and the enthusiasm and generosity of the local community.”