RiverCenter opens in Georgia.

April 25, 2002

The new RiverCenter in Columbus, Georgia, was opened the third week of April, 2002 with a series of special events. A Fanfare Breakfast on April 18 heralded the opening of the entrance to RiverCenter. A dedicatory performance was held in the Bill Heard Theatre on April 22. And on April 23 a Gala was held attended by TPC Director of Design Brian Hall and TPC Project Manager Millie Dixon.

 An exterior view of RiverCenter in Columbus.

Located at the intersection of the Columbus Historic District and downtown, the design draws inspiration from the past and the future. The facility includes the Bill Heard Theatre which is a 2000-seat multi-purpose proscenium room with two balconies and side boxes. The theatre features a unique orchestra shell and canopy system that enables symphonic performances with the stage extended into the audience.

The 450-seat Legacy Hall is designed with a focus on intimacy and warmth and is the primary performance venue for the Schwob School of Music. The hall accommodates an orchestra of 55 and a chorus of 80. An organ with 3,440 pipes and 57 stops is located in the hall.

 The 'Arts' in living statues at the entrance to the RiverCenter during the Gala opening.

The 150-seat Studio Theatre can host many events including drama, music, childrens events, dinner theatre and dance performances. The room can be reconfigured to create a layout most appropriate to the performance.

Part of the RiverCenter Design team including from left to right, Brian Hall (TPC), Mark Holden (JH Acoustics), John Rivers (HBKC Architects), Bill Murray and Juan Minaya (HHPA Architects), Steve Haas (JH Acoustics), Millie Dixon (TPC).

The facility also includes rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, offices, library and classrooms for the music school.

Brian Hall, Director of Design for Theatre Projects Consultants, enjoys the comfort of one of the new chairs in Bill Heard Hall.