Excavation Begins on Confluence Center

V1 Staff |

Digging in at the future Confluence Performing Arts Center
Digging in at the future Confluence Performing Arts Center

One month after the ceremonial gold-painted shovels hit the dirt, the real digging has begun on the future site of the Confluence Performing Arts Center in downtown Eau Claire. During the week of Nov. 14, contractors began excavating for the building’s foundation, said Matt Faulkner, vice president of construction firm Market & Johnson. “Proceeding with work this week is important as it will allow us to get a good start on the building before the ground freezes,” Faulker said in a press release. The 130,000-square-foot arts center will be built at the corner of Graham Avenue and Gibson Street, alongside the Chippewa River. In addition to 1,200-seat and 400-seat theaters, the facility will include offices, rehearsal rooms, classrooms, art exhibits, and more. Community arts groups and UW-Eau Claire will share the $45 million facility. Construction is expected to be finished by the middle of 2018. Fundraising is ongoing, and a Dec. 31 deadline has been set to secure the remainder of a $1.5 million challenge grant offered by anonymous donors. To learn more about the project and how to contribute toward it, visit communityfortheconfluence.org.