Daytime Fireworks Celebrate Performing Arts Center Site Clearance
September 15, 1998
A dazzling daylight fireworks display touched off at High Noon today provided a sparkling backdrop for the start of demolition to make way for the new Regional Performing Arts Center at Broad and Spruce Sts.
Seconds later, Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Ohad Bar David, provided a musical fanfare bowing the instrument whose shape will forever be the hallmark of his world-famous ensemble’s magnificent new home in the Center. And as Bar David’s last notes faded in the mid-day air, wreckers went directly to work.
Demolition of the remaining structures on the site, including the 15-story Bellerich apartment house on the southeast corner of 15th and Spruce Sts., is expected to continue through mid November. A gala Groundbreaking ceremony at the site has been set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.
"This is truly a historic day," said Center President Stephanie Naidoff. "After years -- even decades of planning -- we are beginning work on a complex that is truly this generation’s gift to 21st Century Philadelphia."
When completed in the fall of 2001, the new Performing Arts Center will include a 2,500-seat Concert Hall that will be the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, a 650-seat Recital Theater to serve as home for Philadanco, American Theater Arts for Youth, Concerto Soloists - Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.
The venerable Academy of Music, also part of the Center, will be the home of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and a host of touring Broadway shows.
The design team for the new center includes architect Rafael Viñoly, acoustician Russell Johnson, and theater consultant Richard Pilbrow.
For continuing updates, please check the RPAC web site: WWW.RPAC.ORG.
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