“We are excited about beginning the actual construction of the Fine Arts Center. The planning for the Center has been a true community effort, and we are eager to see the dream turn from words and lines on paper to a showcase for our students and community artists,” said Karen Lott, Director of Community Services, FHPS. “Not only will it be a landmark building, it will provide the community a center for the arts.”

Planned for an early 2004 opening, the Center’s first stage events will include the Forest Hills Northern and Central High Schools’ annual spring plays, as well as band, orchestra and choir concerts. Besides housing a 1,200-seat state-of-the-art fine arts auditorium, the Center will offer multipurpose classrooms for school and community use, and a large gathering area for art exhibits, banquets and community events.

“The Center will providing a stimulating background for art, drama and music. The glass and metal design will fill with sunlight during the day and act as a beacon when evening events take place,” said Mike Corby, AIA, Integrated Architecture Executive Vice President and lead design architect. “Designed to achieve a U. S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) certification, the building will teach, by example, the luxuries that come from the wise use of natural materials, sunlight and space.