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BELLEFONTE -- The committee for an exciting new performance venue coming to Bellefonte has been steadily moving forward with planning and finding funds for the stage designed to accommodate a wide range of performers and audiences.
The Stage at Talleyrand is projected to be a new state-of-the-art venue that will be the premier outdoor public stage in the Centre Region.
Rick Jacobs, a committee co-chair, spoke to the Centre County Commissioners about the status of the project, and what they've been working on since the grand kick-off event at Big Spring Spirits in May.
"We've been at this for close to three years now," said Jacobs. "It has been an incredible journey with a great committee."
The committee met with around 200 people to get input and support, and according to Jacobs, people universally think the concept for the stage is a great idea.
"We've talked to business leaders, musicians, band leaders... service organizations like Kiwanis and The Lions Club... and individual citizens," said Jacobs. "They all asked a few questions like, 'what's it going to be used for?' and the answer is, it's going to be used to extend what already goes on at the gazebo."
According to Jacobs, the gazebo is too small, musicians who play there have complained about acoustics and audience members have commented on the sounds of the nearby roads drowning out performances.
The site chosen was the Talleyrand Annex, which has sufficient space to allow for the construction of a stage that can accommodate larger performances, allow performers to safely "load in" and "load out" equipment and be an asset to current and future events held in Talleyrand Park.
The position of the venue at the annex will be structured in a way that it will substantially eliminate road noise during performances.
With the larger space the stage will provide, performers will have the ability to do more than just concerts -- now, performers will be able to have plays, dance recitals, etc.
According to Jacobs, one of the biggest concerns mentioned was the parking situation.
"Parking is going to be an issue," said Jacobs, "but no more than it is right now. If we have bigger concerts, we're hoping by the time that happens -- 2025 when the stage is built and operational -- we'll have more parking alternatives. We're working on that."
Jacobs was also able to update the commissioners on funding for the project.
During the kick-off event in May, it was announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided a $1 million grant towards the design and build.
Since then, the committee has raised over $100,000 in private donations from more than 50 donors.
"We're just getting started," said Jacobs. "We have a commitment from a very generous donor. If we get to $100,000 short of our budget, which is right now $2.3 million, he will top off the last $100,000. We had a nice donation from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau of $10,000."
"We feel very confident that we'll get to the $2.4 million that we're seeking... We're going to continue to reach out for money," said Jacobs.
Another one of the big questions they receive is, "who's paying for this once it's built?"
Jacobs pointed out that the committee is aware of the cost of upkeep and maintenance.
"That $2.4 million budget has about a 10 percent sinking fund. We are confident that we can maintain the building for 10 years without doing anything else. Those 10 years buy us time to continue to put money into that sinking fund," said Jacobs.
Jacobs was confident in the progress they've made since the last event.
"We're in a good position. We've got half of our budget already... and we are planning on breaking ground on Oct. 1," said Jacobs.
The Stage at Talleyrand Development Committee is an all-volunteer committee of residents dedicated to creating an open-air performing arts facility in the heart of Downtown Bellefonte, consisting of: Tom Bathgate, Rick Jacobs, Pammy Aikey, Michael Desmond, Stuart Echols, Talley Fisher, Tom Hesketh, Don Holderman, Melissa Hombosky, Kay Kustanbauter, Ed Olsen, Ralph Stewart, Holly Wilson and Tom Wilson.
Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (DBI) has partnered with the initiative to become the fiscal agent for the Stage at Talleyrand Campaign, ensuring that donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law without the need to start a new non-profit.
For more information or a donation link, you can visit stageattalleyrand.org or contact Rick Jacobs, fundraising coordinator, at 814-769-9028 or via email info@StageAtTalleyrand.org
In other news:
-- The commissioners received bids for the Willowbank parking lot paving project; bids were due and were opened on July 21. The commissioners have moved to enter into contract negotiations. On Aug. 1, a final contract will be up for approval.