ARCADIA, CA—A 60-year old wish for the community of Arcadia has finally come true with the opening of Arcadia Unified School District's new $20 million Performing Arts Center. It was the District's intent to build an auditorium in 1952 when the high school was originally constructed, but there was no funding. Due to the passage of Bond Measure I in 2006, the District finally had a chance to fulfill this community's enduring dream.

"We are exceptionally pleased to have realized the dream of providing our students, faculty and community members with a world class performing arts venue that will become a home for the arts in Arcadia,” said AUSD Superintendent Dr. Joel Shawn. “All aspects of the arts are an essential component of a rigorous education for our students and a healthy, vibrant community."

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., one of Southern California's foremost building companies specializing in educational facilities, served as general contractor/developer for the facility using Lease/Leaseback project delivery. Constructed on a 4.2 acre site at the northwest end of the Arcadia High School campus, the 40,000 square-foot theater venue opened on October 27, 2012 with an inaugural benefit concert by living music legend Paul Anka.