Almost on a daily basis, construction progress can be seen on Spanish Springs Town Square as the new Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center takes shape. First, an underlayment of pre-fabricated aluminum trusses were put in place in front of the large cinder block auditorium, and now, in line with architect drawings published a few weeks ago, the curving shape of yellow Georgia Pacific DensGlass sheathing material gives a good indication of what the completed building will look like.
Many Villagers, especially those who used to attend Sunday church services and free concerts at the original Church on the Square, were unhappy when the building closed. Lifestyle changes can be unwelcome, but the smaller venue used to fill to capacity and many people were turned away for lack of space. While debate continues about potential parking problems when the new entertainment facility opens, few would argue that a larger theater was needed to serve the growing population.
“When I first saw the ugly concrete box they built, I worried the whole square would be ruined,” said Villager Elise Muller. “We loved the way Church on the Square used to be, with the fountain and courtyard on the side. But now, the new shell is beginning to look good. They put a fluted front on it, which kind of matches the original church, and it will all blend in, I guess. It’s going to be so big inside and and fit more people for the Christmas shows.”
“I’m still not used to it,” said her friend Corinne Vitale, “but it will grow on me. I just don’t like changes. It was fine the way it was.”
Peter Bund, who was painting the exterior of the structure, praised the building’s solid construction. “Whenever The Villages does anything, they do it first class,” he said. “They do everything they can for the safety of the workers too. They really know what they are doing. This place is going to be fabulous.”
There has been no official announcement of a completion date, but residents and people from surrounding communities hope the new center will be open before the December holidays.
