The Wright State Creative Arts Center (CAC) will get a new entrance, art gallery space and dance studio in renovations. The project is slated to cost around $22.7 million.
The new construction will provide more opportunities for students and creative arts performances alike, according to Associate Dean for Faculty and External Affairs Linda Caron.
“It’s a renovation and an expansion. We’re putting in a new entrance that will be much more accessible and much more attractive than the entrances we have now,” Caron said. “There are so many moving parts to this.”
Caron said that a new stage combat studio will be included in the project, and that the old university art gallery space could be used for additional classrooms. A new computer lab and “new common spaces” will also be included, according to Caron.
Junior art student at WSU Katie Kensinger said there could be further improvement in the CAC.
“It needs a better elevator for the art students. The one we have now gets stuck between the floors, the doors never open and if you push the up button it takes you to the basement. It’s so scary.” Kensinger said. “There’s also not a men and women’s bathroom on every floor. Girls, if you’re on the second floor, you have to walk to the first or the third floor. It just makes no sense.”
Caron said she was aware of the issues with the building’s technology.
“It’s very clear that the circulation is an issue in the building and we would like to solve it,” Dr. Caron said. “In many ways, the CAC is the front door to the university because people from outside Wright State go to performances, concerts and art openings. They should see the best we have to offer.”
The renovation will be phased into several stages, Caron said.
“We want it finished as soon as possible,” Caron said.
