McAninch Arts Center's $35 Million Renovation is Ready for Its Debut

McAninch Arts Center, on the campus of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, has completed its 14-month $35 million renovation, which includes an update to its three performance spaces, a new art gallery and outdoor patio stage. 

The MAC renovation was funded by a $168 million referendum passed by voters of District 502 in November 2010. Other COD projects covered by the referendum include the renovation of the Physical Education Center, Student Resource Center and Seaton Computing Center, and construction of the Campus Maintenance Center.
 
“We are extremely thankful to the people of this district for supporting the referendum that provided the essential funding for this spectacular renovation,” COD President Robert L. Breuder said. “We also want to thank Wight & Company and Mortenson Construction for their excellent work, which has made it possible for us to complete the project four months ahead of schedule.”
 
The MAC's grand opening and MAC Madness Benefit will feature Second City and College of DuPage alum Jim Belushi, at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Support for the event is provided in part by Mortenson Construction (Platinum Sponsor), and Cadence Health and Wight & Company (Gold Sponsors).
 
New Philharmonic christens the Performance Hall stage on New Year’s Eve, at 4 and 9 p.m. Dec. 31. On Feb. 8, Grammy Award-winner Keb’ Mo’ takes the Performance Hall stage to kick off winter/spring 2014 events. The new Cleve Carney Art Gallery previews its inaugural exhibition, “Selection of Artworks from the Cleve Carney Collection,” Feb. 6 before its official dedication on Feb. 16.  

For a complete schedule of events click here.

The new outdoor Patio Stage presents its first season of al fresco events in summer 2014. Patio Stage programing will be announced at a later date.
 
Visitors will notice a new bar and concession area designed to complement Waterleaf restaurant in COD’s Culinary & Hospitality Center. The newly constructed 1,850 square-foot Cleve Carney Art Gallery features natural light, high ceilings and bamboo floors. Adjacent to the MAC lobby, it will be open before shows and during intermissions. The 800-seat Performance Hall features new seating, elegant surroundings and a new aubergine stage curtain, as well as an enhanced audio experience.

 
The new 184-seat Playhouse Theatre, site of the popular Club MAC performances, features reconfigured theater seating and new decor. The intimate, 70-seat Studio Theatre, a flexible space with seating that can be configured in multiple ways, features a new entrance. The new Patio Stage can be seen from the lobby windows. With its water view and 1,200-person capacity, the Patio Stage will be the newest community hot spot this summer for concerts, private parties and family entertainment.

“This is an exciting time for lovers of the performing arts,” says MAC Interim Executive Director Diana Martinez. “The MAC has always had a strong reputation, but with updated performance spaces and public areas, and a new art gallery, the MAC promises to be ‘the’ destination to experience the visual and performing arts in the western suburbs.”
 
College of DuPage students can now work in renovated soundproof practice rooms, and study drawing, painting and printmaking in state-of-the-art graphic design studios. The motion picture/television and photography, classroom and studio spaces have been upgraded with new paint and flooring.

“It will be a place where artistic creation intersects social interaction to encourage the growth and understanding of contemporary art through exhibition and educational programming,” gallery Director/curator Barbara Wiesen said.
 
Other MAC improvements include new coat check and remodeled restrooms, and several "green" initiatives, including glazed windows, skylights and a white roof that will reflect sunlight and deflect heat in the summer.

Embedded in this article is the board presentation explaining the renovation.

Source: College of DuPage