Jim Fair
City Auditorium, for the lack of a better name, at Snow Street and Davis Avenue, will be a haven for artists and dancers.
The marker describes some history of the building.
Council approved $100,000 Tuesday night to move forward with the continued renovation of Phase I of the City Auditorium, identifying the building that International Cathedral of Prayer ministry formerly occupied at Snow Street and Davis Avenue.
Most importantly the building will represent the edge of the arts district proposed in the Partnership For Tomorrow 15-year plan. “It’s the extension of the arts district, just a little further out, but we feel it is in place by itself,” said Ann Cunningham, Parks and Recreation Director.
The original plan called for $60,000 for Phase I until repairs and renovation uncovered other problems, most notably squirrels that are nesting in the structure and that chewed through the Commission of Public Works fiber optic cables.
Council voted unanimously to add $40,000 to the renovation but mandated that the total cost will not go over $100,000.
Cunningham said the Trade Street Neighborhood Association, included in the discussions, suggested arts play a role in the building’s future. The South Carolina Children’s Theatre had its roots in Greer at the City Auditorium.
The plan is to offer four studios for lease, have three art classrooms, an art gallery and concessions with American Disabilities Act compliant restrooms.
“The studios will be available for artists 24 hours a day to fit their schedule,” Cunningham said.
Phase II will feature music classrooms, two dance classrooms and an office.
Cunningham said she foresees it hosting "theater rehearsals, Camp Ark and other arts. Robyn (Byouk) and Greer Cultural Arts is excited about the renovation."
A performance stage and auditorium is part of the church and can be used for performances in the future. The building’s occupancy can handle 299 people.
The building had been used by the city in the past for demonstrations of meth labs awareness and community neighborhood meetings.
Renovations are scheduled to be completed this spring.