Roswell enters 2nd phase of performing arts study

Josh Groban performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Roswell Arts Fund is conducting a feasibility study on the city creating its own performing arts venue. AJC FILE

Josh Groban performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Roswell Arts Fund is conducting a feasibility study on the city creating its own performing arts venue. AJC FILE

The Roswell Arts Fund has gotten funding approval from the city for the second phase of a feasibility study on a performing arts center for the city.

The study will clarify the ideal size, location and funding opportunities, as well as potential challenges, officials said. The envisioned center would have a main theater for 500 to 1,000 people and a multi-purpose “black box” for about 200 in a 35,000- to 50,000-square-foot building.

A steering committee working with consultants DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky/Arts Consulting Group has determined the ideal location would be within walking distance of Canton Street, with easy access to dining and retailing.

“Ideally, the site will be located on the periphery of the Canton Street area … (to) keep traffic and parking outside of the heart of the restaurant district while creating a bridge between this and other proposed projects in and around Canton Street and the Roswell Square,” said Jeff Hopkins, committee co-chair with Lawrence Catchpole.

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