College Develops New Performing Arts Center

ST. LOUIS-McKendree College is continuing construction on its new $9.4 million Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenbausen Center for the Arts. S.M. Wilson-Co. is providing construction services and Mackey Mitchell Associates is the architect. Construction began in November 2004. The 40,000-square-foot performing arts center will include a 500-seat theater with dressing rooms, green rooms, set construction and design areas, orchestra pits and a thrust stage. There will also be an art gallery in the lobby area. A new music wing will hold vocal classrooms, practice rooms, a band room and staff offices. Construction should be completed by May 2006.