Earlier this year, Doane officially broke ground on the long-awaited, $23 million Performing Arts Center. The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, is on track to open by fall 2026.
The expansion will not only modernize facilities for the award-winning theatre and music programs, but will also bring them closer together physically, creating shared spaces like lounges, concessions and a lobby.
Other features include a recording studio, practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, scene shop, green room, dressing rooms and a 220-seat theatre with a thrust stage and fly loft, among other upgrades.
We checked in with Brian Flesner, Director of Facilities Operations & Construction Projects at Doane, to get a progress update and learn about exciting developments.
What are the next major milestones in the construction process?
The music addition currently has all of the structural steel, flooring, utilities and exterior wall framing in place. This will allow the building envelope to be closed here in the near future for interior work to begin. Another milestone that will be starting the middle of June, is the excavation of the basement for the theatre portion of the project. Construction on both ends of the building will be simultaneous at this point.
What has been your favorite part of overseeing this particular project?
I truly enjoy overseeing these larger projects in general, but this one in particular due to the amount of planning that has gone into this over the years and the pure dedication by all involved to see this through. It's an amazing feeling knowing that this will support the fine arts for many years to come after such a long wait!
Is there a fun or lesser-known fact about the project that most people wouldn’t know?
I'll just say that at the end of the project there may be an easter egg of sorts somewhere within the building. Those who find it, will understand it.
Another fun fact is that on the south side of the building there will be some familiar musical notes designed into the large windows. A fitting design for the type of building we are constructing.
How many people and partners (contractors, engineers, designers) are involved in bringing this to life?
Wow, there has been a lot. We have had a tremendous amount of support and collaboration between the administration, board of trustees, the architectural team from Clark & Enersen, Sampson Construction, faculty and staff to make this all come together. It really took everyone and a lot of dedication and persistence.
