PC Sets Groundbreaking for Center for the Performing Arts

Construction on the David L. Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts officially begins May 13 with a groundbreaking celebration on the site of Penn Charter's new facility, the first major "green" building in East Falls.

"I could not be more pleased that Penn Charter is moving forward with this important project for our school, East Falls and the Philadelphia community," said Head of School Darryl J. Ford.

"The performing arts are a vibrant part of our educational program, and soon we will have a facility that supports the fine work of our students and teachers."

The Kurtz Center will feature a 650-seat theater and facilities for band, chorus and set design. The school will not begin to clear the site until the school year ends.

The details of the day are being finalized, and the festivities are certain to include student performers and an invitation to parents, alumni and friends of the school to join in the celebration.

The Kurtz Center is the largest and the last initiative of the Frameworks for the Future campaign, a historic fund-raising effort that generated $47 million in gifts and pledges from more than 1,400 donors.

The center will be the first major "green" building in East Falls. The school plans to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the new building, and selected Voith & Mactavish Architects for the project because of the firm's experience with sustainable design.

Although the capital campaign closed in 2007, there are several remaining naming opportunities for the new center, and gifts of any size are welcome. For more information, contact Chief Development Officer John T. Rogers at jarogers@penncharter.com.