In Wednesday’s (5/27) Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), Adam Parker reports, “The Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston’s largest performance venue and an essential stage for local arts groups and Spoleto Festival USA, will undergo extensive renovations beginning as early as 2011 if enough money can be raised to pay the hefty price tag. The project likely would cost more than $100 million, according to proposals submitted by David M. Schwarz Architects, a firm recognized for its work on civic and cultural projects. It would be spearheaded by the city and supported by Spoleto officials and others. Martha Rivers Ingram, chairwoman of Spoleto’s board, said a $20 million matching gift already has been committed.” In addition to her other charitable activities, Ingram is also chairman of the Nashville Symphony board. “Theoretically, the city could raise funds by selling bonds against future tax revenues generated as a result of urban improvement. … The auditorium has long been the subject of conversation among musicians and audiences concerned about its acoustical deficiencies, and many have complained about its drab physical appearance.”
Posted May 28, 2009
Photo: Nashville Symphyony Board Chair Martha Rivers Ingram at the League’s 2007 National Conference in Nashville.
Credit: Matthew H. Starling
