When complete the renovation will feature 7 new studios with fully sprung floors, including the 287- seat AustinVentures StudioTheater. Other areas of interest are the 70-seat Community Board Room and a two-story "wall of windows," giving Austinites a view into the world of dance. The building's 34,000 total square feet will also house the entire Ballet Austin company including professional dancers, administrative staff and Academy and Box Office operations.
"We are excited to begin construction,"Â said Ballet Austin Executive Director Cookie Ruiz. "This project is a significant milestone both for Ballet Austin and the new Arts and Entertainment District. "Â
Ballet Austin joins a number of important construction projects in a 3-block area. The AMLI residential tower, the 44 story 360° Condominiums and the soon to be renovated Austin Music Hall will surround the new building. All of these projects in this new urban residential and retail area are scheduled for completion in 2007.
Due to the construction, Ballet Austin has moved its Subscriber Services and Box Office operations to a temporary location in the historic IronStone Bank building at 710 Congress. IronStone Bank, located directly across from The Paramount Theatre, generously donated the use of office space to Ballet Austin for the period of renovation. All in-person ticket purchases and subscriber exchanges for the 2006/07 season will take place at the IronStone location.
Ballet Austin Company dancers, Ballet Austin II and all Academy classes will remain in their current facilities at the Guadalupe Firehouse and the Baker Center until May. -- www.balletaustin.org
Posted January 5th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
