Cultural Initiative


JUST SAY “YES”!

Our opportunity

Four years ago, the Arts Council decided to take the leadership role in the Federal Building initiative which has become the anchor for the Emerald Triangle Project and is the centerpiece of the City Center Master Plan.

The facility needs for each cultural organization in the county were assessed and key community leaders were called upon to take part in the planning process. More recently, the critical facility needs of the Greenwood Community Theatre and the Museum have been addressed by including renovation funding for these buildings as well.

The Greenwood Community Theatre is a 12,000 sq. ft. facility which offers seven shows during its regular season, featuring adult and youth performers. The Museum is a 22,800 sq. ft. facility with collections in cultural history, natural history, technology, and the arts, with particular emphasis on Greenwood County and the surrounding region.

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The Federal Building offers 30,000 sq. ft. of usable space. Currently, the Arts Council is located in a 1,600 sq. ft. storefront on Waller Avenue that is not highly visible in the Uptown. The Museum and Theatre are located on Main Street adjacent to the Federal Building. Renovations to the three buildings will represent Phase 1 of the Emerald Triangle Development, City Center Master Plan, as proposed by Arnett Muldrow & Associates.
Proposed renovations and repairs…

Federal Building

  • A visitors center with reception desk
  • A large gallery with retail shop
  • A multi-purpose reception hall with catering kitchen
  • Office space for the Arts Council and other organizations
  • Classrooms, storage, and workroom spaces

Greenwood Community Theatre

  • Major repairs and modifications to the backstage area
  • Addition of fire sprinklers and exit doors
  • New HVAC throughout
  • Repairs to exterior including new windows
  • New theatre seating and stage curtains
  • Paint and floor coverings in public areas and new house lighting
  • Add second ticket window

The Museum

  • Replace HVAC systems and elevator
  • Repairs to the exterior including new windows
  • Waterproof the shell of the building
  • Interior renovations including offices and restrooms
  • Renovations to the back warehouse

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Our Budget

The total budget for Phase 1 of the Emerald Triangle Development Project:

Renovation costs for the Federal Building
$1,800,000

Furnishings and equipment – Fed Bldg
$250,000

Building maintenance fund
$250,000

Museum repairs
$350,000

Theatre repairs
$800,000

Total
$3,450,000

The Arts Council has received $1,750,000 for renovations from the Self Family Foundation. We now must turn to individuals, corporations, and foundations in our community for the $1,700,000 needed to complete this project. The renovations for the three buildings are the anchor for the revitalization of our Uptown and the Emerald Triangle. This cultural complex will become the central and visible welcoming center for Greenwood citizens as well as for those visiting our community. Greenwood will have a new face that says “The Arts Mean Business,” and will offer a world of new opportunities for our residents in the realms of art, drama, and history.
This is the best plan for our current economic times, for the benefit of all cultural organizations, and for the preservation of a rare, historic building.

The Capital Campaign to raise $1,700,000 will begin and end in 2005. With these funds Greenwood will have a Cultural Center second to none. A walk through the Federal Building, the Theatre, and The Museum will fill your mind with exciting dreams of the possibilities.

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Imagine…

Children and adults taking a variety of art classes

Children and adults taking acting classes and attending plays

Children and adults enjoying Museum visits and programs

The community enjoying a new reception hall

Visitors being greeted in a new welcome center

Residents and visitors enjoying a new gallery and gallery shop
The Capital Campaign will make these ideas a reality for the Greenwood Area. We are so close and now look to you for help. When asked to volunteer or contribute, please say “yes.”

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Say, “Yes, I want to live in a community that values cultural development. Yes, I want to live where there are enriching activities for children and adults. Yes, I want to welcome visitors to our community in a lovely, historic building.

Your contribution will help make the dream come true.