Gaertner Performing Arts Center

Performing Arts Center
1900 Avenue I
Map | News | ID#: 0315

Timeline

May 2008 Approved by Board of Regents
Oct. 2008 Groundbreaking ceremony
Aug. 19, 2010 Renamed for Gaertners
Sep. 30, 2010 Grand Opening Dedication
May 5, 2011 Payne Concert Hall Dedicated

Namesake

James Gaertner
Nancy Gaertner

Architect

WHR Architects, Inc.

Contractor(s)

Links


Performing Arts Center

The western parking lot between the Criminal Justice Center and Music Building in March 2007.


Performing Arts Center

Signage around the site proudly announces the opening date.


Performing Arts Center

In March 2009 construction on the building was in full force.


Performing Arts Center

A view of the western side of the "green" PAC.


Sources

[1] "Contact" (Art Department newsletter), May 1988
newly built structure dedicated to the musically inclined

The Gaertner Performing Arts Center is located in the north-eastern part of campus between the Beto Criminal Justice Center and the Music Building.

The $38.5 Million, 91,976 square foot facility houses the departments of music, theater, and dance and includes the 800-seat Payne Concert Hall, 160-seat dance theater, 175-seat recital hall, an outdoor performance area, practice and rehearsal rooms, costume storage, and offices.

The university first attempted an immense Fine Arts Center to house the art, dance, drama, and music departments in the late 1970s. Planned for the northeastern corner of campus, a shortage of funds decreased the project size and only the drama department received the completed facilities (the University Theatre Center). This process repeated itself a decade later when inadequate funds again yielded a single building (the Fine Arts Building) that eventually housed the department of music [1].

This building was discussed as far back as 2006 as home for the departments of music, theater, and dance (the latter of which utilized AB3 for over 20 years).

As the flagship building of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication, the PAC also contains the Dean’s Suite as well as a café, green room, and lounge.

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