ONEONTA _ It started out as a grand plan, then was forced to seemingly take a step back for every two steps forward.
But while there are still obstacles to be overcome, Oneonta's Foothills Performing Arts Center's expansion is finally getting off the ground.
Peter Macris, a co-founder of the nonprofit organization, said Foothills was conceived in the mid-1990s when several individual and arts and cultural groups, including Orpheus Theater, cited a need for a space for performances.
"It was a long time in coming," Macris said Thursday.
The original plan called for a theater about twice the size of what is being built. In 2002, city officials alluded to the project as a $37 million theater complex.
The expense, as well as concerns about what the Oneonta market could support, were cited by Foothills officials as reasons for downsizing the plans.
In April, officials said the cost of the project is estimated at about $7 million.
The facility's new theater may be open by next July for some events and by the fall of 2009 for major programming, according to officials.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday at the Market Street site of the envisioned 618-seat theater. The next day, heavy construction equipment began excavation in preparation for pouring the foundation.
"Our goal is to be completed June 30," said Foothills President Doug Reeser on Thursday.
The Foothills theater and an attached atrium are being built on the site of the former West-Nesbitt feed mill, which was razed in 2003 in an effort led by the city.
Foothills has already become part of the fabric of Oneonta's cultural life through the 10,350-square-foot scene shop building completed in 2005.
Since the scene shop opened, it has hosted a wide range of events, Mayor John Nader said Thursday.
"Even now, Foothills has already become a real asset to Oneonta because of the number of events they have put on over this past year," Nader said. "I have been very pleased with the events they've put on in the relatively small production center. They have very good staff."
Nader said state and federal grants obtained for the project demonstrate there is confidence in Oneonta and a belief at the state and federal levels that it is a community that can get things done.
The hope is that completion of the 25,000-square-foot theater will help Oneonta become a regional arts hub, Reeser said.
"This should be the center of all the arts around here," Reeser said. "To me, the potential is unlimited."
Reeser said Foothills will be the largest performing arts center in the region. One would have to travel to Binghamton or the Albany/Schenectady area to find anything comparable, he said.
Regional groups, such as the Binghamton Philharmonic, have shown an interest in performing at Foothills, as well as many local groups, Macris said. The greater hope, though, is that the center will attract performers from across the nation.
The Oneonta area is already known for its rich cultural attractions, Macris said.
"I think this place will shape all of that," he said.
Foothills is embarking on a broader fundraising campaign than previously conducted in hopes of raising about $1 million needed to finish the project, Reeser said.
The organization has enough money on hand to open the center, but more funding is needed for landscaping, parking lot improvements and interior work, he said.
"If our fundraising goes well, which I hope it does, we'll complete all of these things," Reeser said.
Duncan Smith, a former president of the Orpheus Theater board of directors, said the theater group is cautiously optimistic that differences with Foothills can be worked out.
"Foothills started out as a home for Orpheus and it just moved away from that and in the process, there were some hard feelings generated," Smith said.
As the plans for Foothills grew grander, Orpheus and other groups were concerned they would be sidelined, he said.
"It seems to me that it's a problem that is going to go away if it hasn't already," Smith said.
Kathleen Frascatore, executive director of the Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts, said the possibilities are exciting and all indications are that downsizing the theater was a good move.
"All of the feedback I have heard in the community is that it was a prudent move," Frascatore said.
She lauded Macris for sticking with the idea of Foothills for so long.
"It was nothing but literally a dream," Frascatore said. "He's been tenacious in pursuing that vision."
In addition to working on the building, Foothills also has to work to build its organization and its programming.
"The possibilities are exciting," she said.
Cynthia Marsh, senior curator and coordinator of arts programming for UCCCA, said arts and cultural institutions can be economic engines.
"It's been demonstrated that the arts can save and revitalize local economies," Marsh said.
Reeser said the steel beams to frame the building would arrive in early fall, and it is hoped that building can enclosed by the end of December. Interior work would begin once the building is enclosed, he said.
The architect for the theater project is Norman J. Davies of Binghamton, who also designed the National Soccer Hall of Fame in the town of Oneonta.
Eastman Associates of Oneonta is building the theater, Reeser said.
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