A&P Commission selects architect for Civic Auditorium upgrades

A&P Commission selects architect for Civic Auditorium upgrades

City prepared to spend up to $ 400,000 to modernize facility

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The West Memphis Civic Auditorium is set for a renovation as the Advertising and Promotions Commission bought into plans presented by PKM Architects during its May meeting.

The complete renovation is set for three phases exterior work, site work and interior upgrades. With the building being deemed in “great shape,” the outside has been power washed and minor roof leaks patched, attention turned to the interior renovation proposal.

Architects Josh Bellaire and Pat Magruder teamed up to pitch the A& P on the plan and was awarded up to $400,000 to for the interior facelift.

The upgrade presented in a schematic design package will serve to visually connect the spaces with contemporary design elements.

The interior plan was described as simple moves with bold striking elements. “We’re not just trying to modernize the building with paint and carpeting,” said Bellaire. “This will really connect all the different spaces, the lobby, the galleries, the auditorium so it reads a cohesive. It starts as people approach the building from the street to pique their interest.”

A striking wood grained floating plane is suspended from the ceiling and folds down the wall at the back of the grand entry way.

Other colors and textures will be used to draw people through the lobby.

“Your eyes are immediately drawn to the reception area,” said Bellaire. “You know where to go. Right now there is no welcoming station so we suggest putting in a reception desk.”

Another plane above bisects the entry way serves to provide direction toward the auditorium.

“It give directionality, people will want to follow it as it moves back toward the gallery and auditorium space.”

The plan also addressed rest room concerns. The number of stalls will be increased. The dressing room area will get more commodes to make the total number, combined with the front of the house, work for 1000 people. Many of the big dance competition groups set up back stage but have had to make the long run to the front for rest rooms. The move puts the right facilities nearby for everybody.

Upgrades to lighting, make up counters and mirrors, and cubby storage complete the backstage improvements.

Some commissioners wanted to check cash flow given the Delta River Regional Park development being funded at the same time.

Convention and Visitors Executive Director Jim Jackson told A& P commissioners that the funds were available between cash on had and money in certificate of deposit accounts.

The A& P holds 393,503 as cash in the bank with $1.283 million in CD’s.

“This is just one phase,” said Jackson. “This would be this year’s budget. Then we would go from there for the different project phases.”

By John Rech