Communities through the metro region are moving forward on a variety of community arts building projects. Here are brief updates on some of them:

        The Emery Center, Over-the-Rhine — The $1.6 million Phase One, exterior restoration and installation of a new heating and sprinkler system, has been completed. A recent study concludes that the College-Conservatory of Music arts administration program at the University of Cincinnati could operate the Emery. (That's very good news, bringing down potential management and other costs significantly.)

        But the capital campaign that would be needed to start Phase Two, a $4.5 million plan to complete the first floor and give Cincinnati a much-needed 700-seat auditorium, is on hold. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on a use it-or-lose it tax credit that has a December 2004 deadline. The clock is also ticking on plans that would keep audiences in the suburbs. (See Raymond Walters College, below.)

        The Carnegie, Covington — The first round of renovations has been completed and, after being closed for more than a year, the Carnegie will officially re-open in June with several new exhibits, an elevator and expanded restroom facilities.

        The theater renovation has been postponed indefinitely. A committee is studying probable uses.

        Raymond Walters College, Blue Ash — City and college are in talk stage of expanding the original plans for renovating and expanding existing 500-seat auditorium, which put a heavy emphasis on being a conference center for neighboring corporations, to a 1,000-seat auditorium promoted by the management of the Germantown Performing Arts Centre outside Memphis, Tenn.

        Germantown management would book major name touring artists. The college's emphasis will remain on arts relationship with education and opportunities for families.

        Walnut Hills Presbyterian Church, Walnut Hills — Things have been happening since Cincinnati Preservation Association and several community groups moved quickly last month to save the community anchor from the wrecking ball.

        Cincinnati Preservation has presented an option to purchase the 1885 Samuel Hannaford-designed church from the current owner; a funding feasibility study is under way; and Greater Cincinnati Foundation invited the preservation association to apply for a capital funding grant, which has been submitted.

        Conversations are moving forward with potential users, including the African-American Heritage Institute, ArtWorks and Cincinnati Art Museum, which includes outreach into neighboring Walnut Hills among its long-range goals.

        A $50,000 city grant was approved for the project in mid-April. Ohio Sen. Mark Mallory has asked the state for $500,000 to help save the building, and Sue Ann Painter of PSA Consulting is working to help raise private gifts.

        While no firm time line is in place, Cincinnati Preservation executive director Beth Sullebarger says she feels confident of the outcome.

        Fairfield — Plans are moving forward on a $9.6 community center that would place a heavy emphasis on arts, says Jim Bell, director of Parks and Recreation.

        The center would complement a new library and village green. While everything is “subject to change,” Mr. Bell warns, among the features of the new center would be a 250-seat theater, dance studios and craft rooms as well as a senior lounge and home for children's programs.

        With Fairfield's infrastructure secure, the city is able to invest in quality of life, Mr. Bell says. The city hired AMS Planning and Research to study the needs of Fairfield residents.

        But there are still two years of planning, drawing, bidding and building before the new center opens.

        Georgetown — An almost $500,000 restoration has been completed on the Gaslight Theatre in this Brown County town, and the Board of Trustees are hiring a theater manager. They expect to have a calendar of plays, lectures, concerts, films and historical presentations by autumn. Emphasis will be on children's programming and music.

        Fitton Center for Creative Arts, Hamilton — The Fitton Center's $3.6 million expansion may be completed by December.

        The three-story addition (half the size of the 25,000-square-foot original building), will house three sound-proofed music practice rooms, enlarged pottery and painting/drawing studios and a student gallery on the first floor; a traveling exhibit gallery, board room, offices and technology studio on the second floor; and a ballroom, catering kitchen and restrooms on the top floor.

— Jackie Demaline

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