On Aug 31 Gov. Culver's I-JOBS program awarded Legion Arts $4.8 million for the purchase and restoration of CSPS Hall.
 

Two days later, the State Historic Preservation Office approved $1.2 million in tax credits for the same purpose.
 

It's a tremendously exciting project. Extensive improvements to the building (with a total cost of $6.4 million) will create a new experience not only for visiting artists and audience members, but for local artists and companies, as well as the New Bohemia district and downtown Cedar Rapids.
 
The project, formulated through a series of community forums held at CSPS earlier this summer, includes enhanced versions of the existing theatre and gallery spaces; the construction of additional presenting, studio and educational space on the ground floor; the opening of an arts incubator, also on the ground floor, to serve small and emerging arts organizations; and two to three ground floor retail operations.
 
In addition, the entire landmark building — just shy of 120 years old, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, damaged but intact after last summer's floods — will get the structural overhaul it deserves.

The plan incorporates increased accessibility (yes, that means an elevator); updated electrical systems, climate control and plumbing (yup, air conditioning and new toilets); improvements in safety and energy efficiency; increased parking and upgraded street presence. Subtle physical changes to the exterior will preserve the building's historic features while fostering accessibility and greater community engagement.

And through it all, Legion Arts will continue bringing you, from across the country and around the world, some of the most exciting artists working today.

Some will be engaged with local schools, neighborhoods and community groups still engaged in flood recovery. Others will present their latest creations at CSPS and, at some point, alternate locations.

As this exciting transition takes place, we hope that you will become more involved than ever. Follow our progress. Support the artists. And please consider supporting Legion Arts. Though $6 million sounds like a windfall — all right, it is a windfall — it doesn't support our ongoing program or operational costs. For that, we depend on supporters like you. To make a contribution online, click the Donate New button in the left column.
 

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