The Cincinnati Ballet is releasing plans for its new location in Walnut Hills near Eden Park next to the Baldwin Building on Gilbert Ave. Designs call for a 57,000-square-foot building with eight studios.Fundraising is underway for the $30 million project to be called the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. It's expected to open in summer 2021, according to the ballet.
"Cincinnati Ballet has expanded its professional mainstage productions and experienced record-setting growth in enrollment at our Otto M. Budig Academy over the last few years," says President and CEO Scott Altman. "In fact, we cannot accommodate demand due to full classes. Quite simply, the organization has outgrown its current space. The new ballet center will be an integral arts destination for the community and the region."
The ballet's current facility is also located next to where FC Cincinnati's new stadium is under construction.
GBBN Architects is designing the facility, which will include views of Downtown from the two largest rehearsal studios and seating for up to 125 people for demonstrations and academy performances. Messer Construction and Neyer Properties round out the team.
Other facility amenities include a Mercy Health training and physical therapy space, dedicated dancer and academy lounges, more than 150 parking spaces, and a streamlined drop-off and pick-up area for students and guests.
Artistic Director Victoria Morgan calls the design plan "a huge step forward for Cincinnati Ballet."
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