After nearly eight years of anticipation, Opera Grand Rapids (OGR) broke ground yesterday on its first rehearsal hall since the organization's inception 42 years ago. The $2.25 million Betty Van Andel Opera Center (BVAOC) is a 14,000-square-foot facility that will finally give the opera company a place to rehearse, store props, create and store costumes and establish permanent offices.
OGR adopted a nomadic style when it came to rehearsal space, moving stage props, musicians and instruments in and out of any location that was large enough and available.
"For the last two performances, they rehearsed at the empty Dunham's Sports store next to the mall on 28th Street," says Executive Director Michael Havlicek. "If you went to look at it, you'd say 'Whoa!' The first time I went, the place was full of lawn chairs they'd brought with them to have a place to sit instead of on the floor."
The BVAOC at Carlton and Fulton NE provides a basic 60-foot by 80-foot rehearsal space with a two-story-high ceiling, a flat floor and no stage. Portable seating accommodates up to 300 people.
An adjacent costume shop provides a convenient place to alter, repair and store costumes. OGR offices, a large meeting room and three practice rooms for vocalists occupy the rest of the building.
"These are difficult times, and we held our own feet to the fire and said we aren't going to start construction until every penny of the $2,250,000 has been raised, and we've raised it," Havlicek says.
OGR named the center for Betty Van Andel, a nine-year OGR board member. Nearly eight years ago, Betty and her husband, Jay, pledged $1 million for the project.
Beta Design designed the facility. McGraw Construction is the construction manager. OGR hopes to achieve Silver LEED certification.
Source: Michael Havlicek, Opera Grand Rapids
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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