With 9-story arts hall, a boost for Prince William's stature

After sneak preview of building on GMU campus, officials abuzz about what's to come, for audiences and for the county

To some, the nine-story, copper-covered cylinder recently erected on George Mason University's Prince William County campus represents the anchor of just another new building.

But to others, it symbolizes that Prince William is transforming -- growing up, in a sense -- and is about to get its first state-of-the-art performing arts facility.

"This is one of the nicest things that has happened in the county, and we're just in awe of how it is going to turn out," said county Supervisor Maureen S. Caddigan (R-Dumfries). "It's going to put Prince William on the map and is something we needed for quite awhile."

Caddigan and other Prince William area officials got a sneak peek last week at the new Hylton Performing Arts Center. Set to open the weekend of May 21, the $50 million facility named after the prominent late developer Cecil D. Hylton, will serve as a performance venue and resource for schools and the business community.

"This is magnificent, and I can't wait for the public at large to see this on opening night. I think people will be blown away," said Corey A. Stewart (R-At Large), chairman of the Board of County Supervisors. "This is a community facility that will be open for local groups, but clearly . . . be able to draw world-renowned performers and bring a level of talent that we have never seen before in Prince William."

Construction of the 86,000-square-foot facility began in February 2008, almost a decade after local officials began discussing the need for a performing arts venue in Prince William. The main theater, Merchant Hall, is modeled on a 19th-century European opera house. Although it currently contains a mess of scaffolding, broken wood pieces and stray nails, once finished it will house more than 1,100 seats and a full orchestra pit. The space is shaped like a horseshoe in an attempt to keep all guests close to the stage.

"This is a beautiful space that will offer a very intimate experience," said Jean Kellogg, the center's executive director. "And it's built so professionals and 6-year-olds [alike] will look good."

The second stage will be in the Gregory Family Theater. The grape-colored space will double as a practice studio and performance venue that can hold about 300 people in its stadium-style seating.

The performing arts center stands as the tallest building in Prince William and will bring in everything from "Beethoven to bluegrass," Kellogg said. It will also serve as a home for local groups such as Manassas Ballet Theatre and the Prince William Symphony Orchestra.

The venue will attract national and international touring artists and other theater groups, Kellogg said, but big Broadway touring groups are not likely to appear because the goal is to hold the average ticket price to $40.

Besides the theaters, the facility includes a costume shop, set construction warehouse, 44 dressing stations, an art gallery and a grand foyer, Kellogg said. Individuals, groups and businesses can rent space for such events as wedding receptions and corporate meetings. Kellogg said she can also foresee possible art or performance classes.

Funding for the design and construction of the center came from the county, the university, the City of Manassas, state grants and private donations. The center also has an ongoing campaign for an endowment to help with operating expenses. To date, $11 million has been collected, George Mason officials said.

Kellogg said George Mason will operate the facility and is looking to hire about 15 full-time people. Local officials said the venue will help attract residents and businesses to Prince William. The facility itself is also expected to have an economic impact of nearly $7 million annually.

"This is an image enhancer and will bring the community up to a new level," Kellogg said. "Between [George Mason's] Fairfax campus and Charlottesville, there is just nothing really like this."