West Valley Leaders Partner to Provide Location for Regional Destination for the Arts

AVONDALE, Ariz.-In a joint presentation yesterday, SunCor Development Company, Estrella Mountain Community College, and the West Valley Fine Arts Council announced a land exchange that will provide the site for a multi-million dollar regional destination for the arts in the West Valley. Through the vision and generosity of these three organizations, the citizens of Western Maricopa County will have new opportunities for artistic, educational, and cultural enrichment.
"This partnership is result of the dedication and cooperation of many people who worked tirelessly to secure the best location for the West Valley Center for the Arts," said Adolfo Gamez, Mayor, City of Tolleson. Gamez has been involved with both the college and the council since their inceptions and is one of numerous mayors and regional leaders that supported the collaboration early on.
The land exchange enables the West Valley Fine Arts Council to build the West Valley Center for the Arts on its own land on what is currently the northeast corner of Estrella Mountain Community College's existing campus.
"The arts are for everyone," said Dustin Jones, Chairman of the Board, WVFAC. "This location at the juxtaposition of three communities and close to many more, reflects the Council's regional orientation and commitment to the West Valley." Having recently completed its 10-year master plan, the college is also focused on developing complementing educational fine arts facilities and programs within immediate proximity to the new Center for the Arts, therefore expanding the artistic and learning opportunities for students and residents. This partnership, and resulting land exchange is the first ever for the Maricopa Community Colleges and reflects the vision and commitment of its leaders to provide quality educational and cultural experiences for its students and the communities that its colleges serve.
"By working together, the college and the council will be able to design their unique facilities to provide greater access to the arts and arts education," said Homero López, Estrella Mountain Community College President. "We have been working with the Council since first breaking ground on the college and this partnership is the culmination of the commitment and dedication of our staffs and our community. The result will be a regional destination for the arts that provides the foundation for new cultural experiences for everyone."
SunCor Development, which donated a five-acre parcel to the arts council, brokered the land exchange between the West Valley Fine Arts Council and the Maricopa Community Colleges. According to Jay Ellingson, Vice President of Development, SunCor is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves. The land donation is an example of that commitment. From the beginning, SunCor listened to community leaders and worked tirelessly with cities and government entities to provide the land in a location that was most beneficial to the entire region.
The exchange provides the college approximately five acres immediately west of its Avondale campus boundary in exchange for the parcel on its northeast border (just west of Dysart Road).
"This is an excellent example of the public and private sectors working together," said Gamez. "We know this partnership has tremendous potential and will benefit our entire community, both culturally and economically."
Herman Orcutt, President of the Orcutt/Winslow Partnership unveiled preliminary plans for the 16,509 square foot facility tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2005. The center will house a flexible performing arts center, support facilities for the arts, and space for collaborative learning projects.
"This site will change the face of the West Valley and provide a legacy for future generations," said Marice Ellis, President and Founder of the WVFAC. "Lives will be changed as both children and adults watch and partake in the myriad of arts activities that will take place in the new facility. It is my heart."
In addition to announcing the land exchange and potential partnerships heralded by this unusual and forward thinking action, the Council formally announced a $6 million Capital Campaign to build Phase One of the West Valley Center for the Arts. Cecil Miller, Chairman of the Center for the Arts Campaign, said they have already reached the half way mark in this historic endeavor. "SRP's pacesetting gift of $150,000 catapults the Council to the halfway mark in our Campaign. This won't happen overnight, but with the help of our community leaders and many others, we will get there," said Miller.
"SRP has been an active partner with the West Valley Fine Arts Council for many years because of its exemplary reputation in bringing quality arts programs to the West Valley," said SRP President Bill Schrader. "We are proud to assist in building a state-of-the-art facility to bring in quality performing arts programs to the community as well as cultural and educational programs for its residents."
Estrella Mountain Community College also released plans for its continued commitment to the arts within its organization. The college recently spent a year working with local arts organizations, educators and community stakeholders to research, analyze, and plan its course for fine arts development. The college remains committed to expanding public art projects, the development of complementary arts facilities, development of Visual Art & Digital Media and Theatre Arts academic programs, as well as the expansion of its traveling art exhibition program.
The West Valley Fine Arts Council is a nonprofit, regional arts organization that provides comprehensive arts programming for residents of the West Valley.
Estrella Mountain Community College is located on 135 acres at the northwest corner of Dysart Road and Thomas Road, and is master planned to serve more than 20,000 students annually. Estrella Mountain Community College is a part of the Maricopa County Community College District.
SunCor Development Company is one of the Southwest's premier developers. SunCor is known for developing integrated communities that protect the beauty of nature and offers superior places to live, work, and play.
Estrella Mountain Community College is a Maricopa Community College. Located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale, EMCC offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to residents in the West Valley. Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation serving more than a quarter million students annually. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu
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