Ms. Marshall donned a hard hat, grabbed a paintbrush and headed up a ladder. Instead of getting her hands dirty, the near-centenarian smiled for photographs and gave out hugs in front of the performing arts center.
The ceremony was the official start to renovations that have already included new paint and a cleanup of the lobby. New carpet is scheduled to be added in time for Ms. Marshall’s 100th birthday celebration at the Temple Symphony Orchestra’s “Song for the Season” holiday concert on Dec. 6.
“When the concertgoers come in, we want them to be impressed,” said Rosemary Hauser, executive director of the foundation.
Before the ceremony, Ms. Marshall took a quick tour of the lobby with Ms. Hauser.
“Oh my goodness!” Ms. Marshall said as she looked around the building. “I think it’s going to be beautiful.”
Temple Mayor Bill Jones III said he was happy for this phase of the renovations to begin.
“It’s very exciting for Temple College and the community,” Jones said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Ms. Hauser said the original plan for Phase III was estimated at $5 million. But, with the present economy, fundraisers fell short of that goal.
“We do have about $1 million available and about $1.8 million in requests, which are pending, so we decided to go ahead and do what we can now and continue to work on additional funding to complete the rest of the project,” Ms. Hauser said.
Since 1972, the center has served as home to TC’s performing arts education program and is used by the community for concerts, performances and other events. It is home to the Temple Symphony Orchestra and the site of the annual Temple College Jazz Festival that brings internationally known jazz musicians to Central Texas.
Expansion of the stage area and orchestra pit, new lighting and sound equipment, a new acoustical shell, and a new heating and air conditioning system were completed in the Phase I and Phase II projects. Funding for those projects came from bond issues as well as grants from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and private donations.
In the spring and early summer of 2009, plans include construction of new restrooms, and renovation of the concert hall including new seating, carpet and acoustical improvements. Funds for those projects are still being accepted.
“No donation is too small or too large,” Ms. Hauser said. “The project includes various naming opportunities for donors of $10,000 or more, but we also welcome smaller donations.”
For information, contact the Temple College Foundation at 298-8592.
rrenfrow@temple-telegram.com
