WCACC Identifies Location of New Arts Center at the Town Green at Otterbein

LEBANON – Nov. 23, 2009 – The Warren County Arts and Cultural Center (WCACC) Board of Trustees chose the location for its regional performing arts center on the Otterbein Lebanon Retirement Community’s property at a meeting on Friday, Nov. 20.

“After careful consideration of multiple possible locations at Otterbein, the greenfield site on the east side of state Route 741 was unanimously chosen for several compelling reasons,” said Daniel B. Cunningham, chair of the WCACC Board of Trustees. “Top reasons included the ability to grow, flexibility in the 25,500 square foot floor plan to meet the needs of organizations using the facility, and lower construction and yearly operating costs. It will not only complement the Otterbein town green plan, it was clearly the most visually appealing location.”

Centrally located between Dayton and Cincinnati, the performing arts destination site will improve the quality of life in the elliptical region of Dayton, Cincinnati and Butler and Warren counties.

The area known as the town green will be developed into a quaint and inviting combination of multi-generational residential areas above retail space, including local and regional shops such as coffeehouses, flower shops, banks, clothing boutiques and inviting restaurants. Otterbein is working in conjunction with the Dillin Corporation on developing its master plan. The development of the town green is in the first phase of that master land plan.

Otterbein President and CEO Jill C. Hreben is excited that the chosen site goes back to the original intentions for a performing arts center at Otterbein.

“It really fits in beautifully with our plans,” she said. “It’s going to make this a clearer reality, if you will. Part of the reason we wanted to develop this master land plan was so that when opportunities like this came along, we would be prepared to respond to them. I think that’s really paying off right now.”

In September 2009, the WCACC accepted the proposal of Otterbein Homes for the site of the new regional center. At that time it was not yet clear if the new center would be located in an existing building on the Otterbein Lebanon campus that would be renovated, or on land located on the east side of state Route 741.

The WCACC Advisory Council and the architectural firm of Westlake Reed Leskosky assisted the WCACC trustees in its location decision-making process. Otterbein will be evaluating reutilization options for Bethany Hall, which was presented as a potential location for the center.

The next steps for the WCACC Board are to develop a comprehensive business plan based on this site, and fundraising opportunities, followed by a capital campaign. As part of this process, the WCACC also will continue to work with its advisory council and be communicating with arts groups that are interested in involvement with the 350-seat performing arts center.

Hreben and Cunningham both noted the partnership between the WCACC and Otterbein has allowed both organizations to improve their ability to serve their customer base, which are nearly identical.

“We can’t appreciate enough the WCACC board and their willingness to invest in Otterbein. I am very happy about the plans. I think it’s a perfect answer,” Hreben said.

Cunningham agreed, “By working together as partners, both Otterbein and the WCACC are better able to reach, engage and serve regional residents of all stages of life from young to old.”

About The Warren County Arts and Culture Center
The Warren County Arts and Cultural Center (WCACC) is creating an inclusive, collaborative environment in Warren County and the surrounding area in which arts and culture can incubate live and thrive. More than 140 individuals in Warren and Butler counties, Dayton and Cincinnati have been involved in the center’s formation. Additional information is available at www.wcartsandculturecenter.org or by calling (513) 849-3959.

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