Urban, Regional Arts Center to Improve Accessibility and Modernize Historic Building with the Addition of an Elevator and Other Enhancements
CINCINNATI, OH [February 5, 2010] – The Clifton Cultural Arts Center (CCAC), which began simply as a grassroots initiative of concerned citizens in Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood to preserve and renovate the 1906 Clifton School building into a regional arts and learning campus, will celebrate the vision becoming a reality during an official groundbreaking ceremony to begin the first phase of renovations to the historic building on Monday, March 8, 2010.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Monday, March 8, 2010, from 10 a.m. at the 1906 Clifton School building, located at 3711 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. Cincinnati Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls and Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Chairman Otto M. Budig, Jr., will join CCAC board member Mark McKillip and CCAC president of the board Cindy Herrick as guest speakers during the event. The groundbreaking will be led by the featured guest speakers and representatives from Turner Construction Company, the renovation’s construction management company, and Champlin Architecture, the architectural design firm for the renovation. The groundbreaking will be followed by a public reception with light refreshments inside the ground floor of the 1906 Clifton School building.
The first phase of renovations for the 1906 Clifton School building includes: the construction of an elevator that will transport visitors from the ground to the third floor of the building, the installation of a new fire protection system, the creation of a new entrance into the building that is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible, and renovations to the third floor auditorium in the building that will enhance the CCAC’s ability to use the space for future concerts and performances.
Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls, who led the effort to secure city funding for the renovation, says, “It is rewarding to see the CCAC grow and expand its resources and capabilities through this renovation to the historic 1906 school building. This renovation will add to the rich arts culture and tradition we have throughout Greater Cincinnati.”
“The beginning of this first phase of renovations for CCAC culminates six years of hard work and dedication from our loyal volunteers, community partners and donors,” says CCAC executive director Ruth Dickey. “The CCAC board of directors and staff are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, support and creativity from all donated resources and time that made this first phase of renovation a reality. The ambitious mission of CCAC is truly happening, and we anticipate even more great exhibits, classes and cultural events to come from our regional arts campus.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony and reception, CCAC will have two unique art exhibits on display: Positively Ninety: Portraits of Lively Nonagenarians, a photography exhibit by Connie Springer, and a sculptural installation from Cincinnati residents and nationally prominent artists, Peter Haberkorn and Matt Kotlarczyk.
