GENERAL INFORMATION

+ Who was involved in this project?

Contractor in charge of the project: Carley Construction, based on Bainbridge Island Architect: LMN, Seattle experts in theater and community project design Community volunteers are involved in overseeing construction, budgeting, event planning, and community outreach and fundraising.

+ When did this project break ground?

Although the project was been in the works for several years, official construction broke ground on the Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts on October 9th, 2021. No large gatherings were planned to celebrate the event as COVID-19 levels were too high at the time.

+ When will the construction be finished?

Construction will complete shortly before our Grand Opening on September 30, 2023.

+ What is included in your $18 million dollar goal?

• An upgraded stage, a new studio theater, more comfortable seating, an elevator, new HVAC system, a larger lobby, a rooftop solar array, and so much more.
• Design expertise from architects to specialists such as acoustical engineers, mechanical engineers, designers, sustainability consultants.
• Paying construction workers a fair wage.
• All the bits and pieces from seats to faucets, to soundproof doors, to accessibility railings, to exit signs, etc. They add up!
• A transition fund to ensure the smooth operation of the new building.
• Fees, taxes, etc.

The most important thing, and the filter through which we've passed every decision of this project, was creating a tremendously enhanced experience for everyone who will walk through our doors in any capacity.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

+ Are you at the Farmers' Market again this year?

Yes! Come visit us at most of this year's Farmers' Market season to ask questions about the project, our current events, and the inaugural season beginning in October.

+ Will you be offering tours of the theater when it is finished?

We actually offered tours through all stages of the construction and will likely resume tours once the building reopens to the public.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

+ How much bigger is the new building?

The original BPA building was approximately 12,000 square feet while the new building adds about 5,000 new square feet, mostly among the lobby, Studio, and office expansions.

+ Will you have more seats?

Believe it or not, we actually have a few less seats, and we promise that's a good thing! Our goal from the start has been to make roomier seating with better sightlines and access. By reducing the number of seats from 256 to 224, we were able to add main and upper level entry, a center cross aisle, two vertical aisles, a dedicated sound position, and far more accessible seating for our guests with mobility needs.

+ Are you adding more restrooms?

We’ve upgraded all of our bathrooms in the lobby for guests and backstage for performers. In the lobby, we’ll have gendered restrooms for women & men as well as an all-gender restroom, while backstage we’re adding two more and converting all of them to all-gender restrooms. We even added a shower!

+ Why are you renovating instead of tearing down the building and starting over?

In working with our architects at LMN, we considered ideas for an entirely new building versus a renovation of the current space. Both addressed the community’s needs, but the renovation was about half the cost, and those savings allow us to hit some exciting goals such as enhanced accessibility and green energy.

More importantly, we wanted to honor the history and community members who have poured their hearts into BPA over the last 66 years. Rennovating the space means that we get to hold on to the marvel that was created 30 years ago and to expand on the very good bones of Peter O’Connor’s original design. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a lifelong patron, we hope that it will feel very much like coming home when we reopen in the Fall of 2023!

COSTS & FUNDRAISING

+ Why does this renovation cost so much?

Theaters are second only to hospitals in cost per square foot - but we’re lucky to be working with an architect and contractors who understand how essential it is to be good stewards of this community’s generosity. In our case, the we’re fortunate that the value outmatches the expense: we’re building a space that will not only comfortably welcome our neighbors on and off stage, it’s energy efficient to LEED standards, accessible to those of all needs, and features technical systems that are designed with public health and safety foremost in mind. Of course, labor and material costs have soared during the pandemic, but we’ve made up for this with an incredibly lean operation - ensuring that your gift goes toward building a space that will inspire generations to come!

+ Can I donate to name a new seat after myself or in honor/memory of someone special?

Our seat naming campaign was an enormous success and all seats were dedicated during that phase of our campaign between July 2022 and February 2023.

+ How will you cover the new costs of operating the larger building?

Our campaign is comprehensive, meaning that we’re planning not just for the new building but also for a bright future after it's completed! $1.5 million has already been raised and set aside as a transition fund to ensure that our needs are met as our organizational capacity catches up to all of the new opportunities presented by the space.

+ Will ticket prices be higher?

Accessibility is essential to us. We will continue to set ticket prices within reach of every member of the community. Further, our Open Doors program will ensure that free tickets are available for anyone for whom cost would be a barrier for entry.

+ Are you creating an endowment fund?

While we are always considering new ways to support our local artists and community, we are not currently raising money for an endowment fund. Our additional $1.5 million transition fund will be set aside to ensure our ability to maintain this new level of operations and we may choose to revisit the idea of an endowment fund at some point in the future.

EVENTS & PERFORMANCES

+ When can we buy tickets for the upcoming season?

Season tickets for our inaugural season are now available at bainbridgeperformingarts.org/season-tickets. Single-event tickets are also available at bainbridgeperformingarts.org/tickets.

+ What shows and events will there be in the new building?

The Buxton Center will open in October of 2023 with a season that kicks off with The Prom, Beauty & The Beast, The Book of Will, Cabaret, plus A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Bloedel Reserve. We'll also have the return of our Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, monthly improv from The Edge, and many other events.

+ Can the new Studio theater space be rented for an event or a lecture?

Absolutely!

• What would that cost? Rates will be comparable to similar venues on the Island. This will follow the same process as for event rentals with special discounts for non-profits.

• How many does it accommodate? The Studio will comfortably seat 80 people for presentation-style events.

• When can we reserve it? Reservations will be available through our website starting in the Fall of 2023

• If it is a catered event is there a kitchen that can be used? We do not have a commercial kitchen; all catering should be prepared offsite.

ACCESSIBILITY

+ Will I be able to sit next to my disabled companion in a special seating area?

Yes! Not only have we expanded the number of accessible seats, we’ve ensured that companions and families can all sit together in the new theater.

+ Will all performers have access to all spaces in the new theater?

With the addition of our new elevator, performers will be able to access to all spaces in the building.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

+ Will the new building be more energy efficient?

Absolutely. In fact, we're aiming for a LEED Gold certification with several upgrades to our HVAC system, adding a solar array to the roof, and much more.

+ How will you handle COVID-19 precautions after reopening?

While we had hoped Covid would be a distant memory by the time we reopened, we've embraced the fact that it has taught us a great deal about what we can do to support good public health.

Some of the precautions we’ve taken include a state-of-the-art HVAC system that will continuously cycle in, filter, and climatize fresh air, or antimicrobial surfaces that will stand up to rigorous cleaning procedures. We aim to be partners in the wellness of our patrons, performers, and students alike, and we’re building for a future in which Covid or other viruses may, unfortunately, play a part.