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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19901203_Foundation ltr to First Wave Members'3 J,�, > F from John D. FOUNDATION FOR THE December 3, 1990 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Dear First Wave Member: As we approach the holiday season and the beginning of a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the successes the Foundation and the Performing Arts Center project have enjoyed during 1990. o The year was off to a running start with the announcement in February of Christopher Cohan-s $2.1 million donation. Chris, the owner of Sonic Communications, started his business in San Luis Obispo in 1977 and wanted to be a part of "what could be one of the most important projects in the history of San Luis Obispo County." His donation is the largest personal gift ever made in the County, and we are indeed fortunate to be the recipient of his largesse. o In March we held our Campaign Inauguration Gala with more than 340 people in attendance. Fund raising goals and objectives totalling $9 million were announced. o The world-renowned firm of Arthur Erickson Architects was appointed in June. Rounding out an impressive design team were the appointments of R. Lawrence Kirkegaard, Acousticians and George Howard, Theater Consultants. o Last month, at a reception on the Cal Poly campus, First Wave members were treated to the unveiling of the preliminary plans for the new Center. The Arthur Erickson team presented schematic drawings and explained the design concepts. The plans were well -received and the level of excitement high as people envisioned the Center that was finally taking shape. The preliminary plans were approved by the Cali- fornia State University trustees on November 28th. o With the completion of schematics, the design team has now embarked upon the design/develop- ment phase, a task they will complete in April of next year. Working drawings comprise the third and final phase to be completed by the architects. The three partners --Cal Poly, the P.O. Box 1137 San Luis Obispo California, 93406 805/541- 5401 First Wave Member December 3, 1990 Page 2 City of San Luis Obispo, and the Foundation -- have agreed that this final phase must proceed on schedule even though Proposition 143, which contained $349,000 in State funds for working drawings, lost by a slim margin on November 6th. The University is exploring alternative funding sources and the Foundation and City are discussing ways in which they might help. The point about which we are all agreed is this: the architects will be kept at their task until the design and working drawings are completed late next year. In short, our target for ground breaking is still 1992. o At the end of November, the total gifts and firm pledges from the private sector amounted to nearly $5 million. We are confident that we will exceed the $5 million mark by the end of December. In summary it has been a good year, one that has seen substantial progress on the Performing Arts Center project. While we still have challenging tasks ahead of us, I am confident that with your continued support and encouragement we will meet these challenges and succeed in our goal to provide a much needed Performing Arts Center for the Central Coast. Happy Holidays! Sincerely, Warren A. Sinsheimer President WAS/ljl P.S. Please call the Foundation office if you are considering a gift to the Construction Fund before year end. We can discuss various gift opportunities with you and help you complete the transaction by December 31.