Building cultural capital in Newport

There are so many reasons to visit the Newport Performing Arts Center, and this Saturday, Dec. 14, the reason will be to celebrate the building itself and the long-awaited conclusion of its $2.2-million Capital Campaign.

Remarks, backstage tours, entertainment and light bites will be included.

When the campaign to expand and refurbish the center began in 2014, no one imagined it would still be underway a decade later. But thanks to some unexpected obstacles, most notably a pandemic and the rising cost of materials, the plan had to be creatively modified — and the timeline extended — along the way.

"We are excited to see the project come to fruition," said Mark McConnell, who helped launch the campaign, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Cindy. "The PAC is near and dear to our hearts. The legacy it has, and will create, is priceless to all [who] have attended and walked the stage."

The first six phases of the campaign saw the expansion and renovation of the lobby and women’s restroom, new lighting and sound equipment, signage and more. The seventh and final phase, which is now complete, includes upgrades to the David Ogden Stiers Studio Theatre and modified backstage spaces to allow room for more performers. Guests will have an opportunity to tour these new spaces during the event.

In addition to the room renovations, a much-needed new HVAC system has been installed and the building’s fire sensor system received a $90k upgrade.

“The initiative began so long ago that many have never known the PAC at a time when it wasn’t in the throes of the Capital Campaign,” said Jason Holland, executive director of Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. “We’re thrilled to bring to fruition a vision that began more than 10 years ago.”

Saturday’s reopening begins at noon and will last approximately two hours. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.