SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Groundbreaking for the second of a three-phase building project for Shepherd University's Contemporary Arts Center complex will be held in April, a school spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The university received a nearly $12 million state grant to add to $2 million it raised locally to build the 26,000-square-foot, three-story building, according to Valerie Owens, executive director of university communications.
Shepherd President Suzanne Shipley was not available for comment Tuesday, an aide said.
The complex's first building — which is separated by a large student parking lot below and in front of the Frank Creative Arts Center on the West Campus— opened in 2008. The new second phase, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013, will sit in front of the first, Owens said.
Whenever the third phase is built, it will sit in front of the other two and face W.Va. 480. It will house a large theater, Owens said.
The Frank Center currently houses music, theater and art programs. The music department will remain there, but the other two will migrate to the new building, she said.