The 625-seat performance venue is part of the college'smultiphase expansion plan that, according to the Maryland HigherEducation Commission's Community College Facilities Grant ProgramAnalysis of the FY 2007 Maryland Executive Budget, carries a totalprice tag of about $104 million. The Cultural Arts Center alonewill cost a reported $27 million to complete.

Located at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and East-WestHighway, the Cultural Arts Center--which will be open to both theschool and the community--will extend the college's presence alongthe Georgia Avenue corridor. Designed by the architectural andengineering firm Smith Group, the 58,000-sf structure will featurea 500-seat auditorium, a 125-seat theater, dressing rooms,rehearsal rooms, classrooms, exhibition space, office space, ameeting room and a catering kitchen.

Work is scheduled to get under way on the project between thefall and winter of this year. The center is on target to open itsdoors for performances sometime in 2008.