Next month, wrecking crews will begin their work, demolishing buildings in downtown Greensburg.
In the spring, construction crews will begin their work, building the Seton Hill University Center for the Performing Arts.
Yesterday, a ceremonial groundbreaking at the corner of Harrison Avenue and West Otterman Street marked the end of the behind-the-scenes planning and partnering and the beginning of the out-in-front physical work that will make the $21 million center a reality.
"This is not a building Seton Hill University is building downtown," university President JoAnne Boyle said. "This is part of a larger idea of what Greensburg can be ... if we all think imaginatively enough and with courage and we all work together."
Seton Hill worked with officials on the city, county, state and federal levels on the project.
The 73,000-square-foot center will house the university's theater and music programs. The center will include a theater, music hall, a community music wing, classrooms and faculty offices.
The project is expected to be completed in late 2008 or early 2009.
Students, faculty and alumni gathered with local, state and federal politicians at yesterday's groundbreaking.
Larry Segal, executive director of the Governor's Office of Housing and Community Revitalization, extolled the work Seton Hill and Greensburg officials have done on the center.
"I don't care where you go in the state ... nobody is better, nobody exemplifies the real potential of town-and-gown relations better than Seton Hill University and the city of Greensburg," Segal said.
The groundbreaking was marked by a performance by the Seton Hill University Dixie Cats, a seven-piece jazz ensemble.
Boyle said once the center is built, music will be a constant presence on the corner. A balcony overlooking the streets will allow student performers to play for passers-by.
"So you're getting an idea of what it's going to be like on this corner at lunchtime," Boyle said.
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