Overture Center
201 State St. Built 2001-05 by Cesar Pelli
Timeline
- July 27, 1998 Local philanthropist Jerry Frautschi announces that he will contribute $50 million for a downtown cultural arts center.
- December 1998 A 48-member advisory council issues its report, prioritizing facility needs for the performing and visual arts.
- March 1999 City creates Overture Project Advisory Committee.
- June 1999 Frautschi gives another $50 million for project.
- September 1999 Cesar Pelli selected as design architect and J.H. Findorff & Son selected as construction manager.
- October 1999 City Council adopts a resolution supporting enactment of state legislation to create a cultural arts district with the power of eminent domain.
- November 1999 Overture Foundation gives $500,000 to Esquire Theater.
- February 2000 Community Development Authority begins process to acquire two remaining businesses on Fairchild Street, Dotty Dumpling's Dowry and Miller Eats and Treats.
- March 2000 City Council approves redevelopment plan for Block 65.
- April 2000 Gov. Tommy Thompson signs legislation authorizing creation of local cultural arts districts.
- May 2000 Concept design phase of project completed.
- June 2000 Overture Foundation releases financial plan for arts center which includes leveraging Frautschi's $100 million gift and establishing an endowment fund that will be used for ongoing operating expenses.
- September 2000 City Council approves development agreement between Overture and the city of Madison, art center's financial plan and confirms that center will be governed by a multi-jurisdictional board.
- October 2000 Schematic design for project completed.
- November 2000 Pelli presents schematic design for Overture Center and process of seeking land-use approvals from city committees begins.
- Spring 2001 Construction begins.
- July 2001 Dotty Dumplings Dowry’s holdout ends.
- September 2004 Overture Center for the Arts opens its doors while only partially completed.
- April 2005 Last construction phase Completed.
