Provo also angling for arts center

OREM — Provo wants one. So does Orem. But it's unlikely that the next-door neighbors can both have a multimillion-dollar performing arts center and so, the race is on.

"I think whoever builds the facility first will probably have the only facility in the county for years and years," said Daryl Berlin, who heads the SCERA in Orem. Berlin presented preliminary plans for a $25 million facility in Orem to the City Council last week.

Provo is making headway in its fund-raising efforts for a proposed $8 million performing arts center, said city spokesman Mike Mower. Provo Arts Council member Sandra Covey, wife of well-known author Stephen R. Covey,

recently announced an anonymous donor gave $500,000 to the effort and is willing to match that total if needed.

"We're optimistic with the progress of our center," Mower said. "It's the right size project and the right size for our community.

Provo would renovate the old city library at 425 W. Center. The building is considerably smaller than Orem's proposed facility. Provo wants a 24,000-square-foot, 720-seat performance hall. Berlin is proposing a 60,000-square-foot facility with three levels and 3,000 seats.

Although Provo's proposed facility would be much smaller than Orem center, Mower said the renovated library would still be able to attract a countywide audience.

Berlin believes only one major performing arts center is feasible in Utah County. He said the question is where it should go.

"Orem has a 70-year tradition of doing arts, arts types of programs through SCERA," Berlin said. "We just believe it's time to take the next step in this area and to begin to move ahead with the facilities."

Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn said a race with Provo to build a performing arts center is silly.

"I see no competition to try to be the first."

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