Loudon County, Virginia, will spend $181.3 million to build an updated community arts center, creating a centralized hub for the region’s performance and artistic culture.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved the project’s preferred alternative in its Jan. 22 meeting over two other competing options. The board’s approval moves the project into the planning and design phase, but a construction date has not been established.
The Eastern Loudoun County Community Arts Center will be a fully integrated building supporting both performing and visual arts. The facility will cover more than 112,000 square feet, consisting of numerous configured spaces to accommodate performances and galleries.
The most prominent aspect of the building will be its multi-purpose performance hall, providing a venue for theater and professional performances with between 800 and 900 seats. The hall will feature a main stage and acoustics designed to support a wide range of performance types. The county will also factor in dedicated performance support spaces, including a proscenium, orchestra pit and full working grid.
A secondary enhanced blackbox theater containing between 300 and 350 seats will provide additional space for performances outside of the performance hall. The theater will feature similar benefits to a standard blackbox theater, including dedicated equipment and enhanced acoustics. A banquet hall for pre- and post-show engagements and a rehearsal space to support main stage performances are also included in the project.
As part of the approved design, the building will provide attached spaces for art display and art making. To facilitate these areas, the county will incorporate classrooms and multi-use spaces to provide educational opportunities between local artists and the community. Additional space for public and administration services will also be featured in the layout.
