Plans for the construction of a new performing arts and conference center in lower downtown Longmont have entered the development phase.
Longmont city officials for years have talked about building such a facility, contending that demand for its use would be great enough to justify construction.
Now a feasibility study compiled by Chicago-based C.H. Johnson Consulting Incorporated has been submitted to the Longmont City Council saying that it would likely cost nearly $159 million to plan, design, and build a modern performance center.
As discussed, the facility could be built in phases that would include a multipurpose hall measuring around 25,000 square feet, allowing for any number of conventions, conferences, trade shows, and banquets.
An auditorium with up to 1,500 seats would include a stage with wing space designed to accommodate any number of musical or other entertainment events.
An additional feature of the facility would likely see the building of some 10,000 square feet of rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and meeting rooms.
Said the study: “At least one of the rooms should be specifically geared toward dance, and at least one of the rooms should be specifically geared toward music.”
Upon accepting the feasibility study, members of the council directed city staff to begin investigations into the first phase development of the center.
Although an exact site for the new facility has not been decided, the feasibility study pointed to an area south of 1st Avenue between S. Martin Street and Pratt Parkway, as well as several other locations for the project.
By Garry Boulard