The Burlington School Board has selected an architect and project manager for the project that will expand the auditorium at Aldo Leopold Intermediate School to create the Burlington Performing Arts Center.
The board approved Bray Architects as the architect for the project during their Dec. 3 board meeting. At an earlier meeting, the board also approved Carl A. Nelson & Co. as the project manager.
With the appointment of an architect, planning for the Burlington Performing Arts Center, slated for completion in August 2027, will be able to move forward.
Dates for upcoming community stakeholder and input meetings will be announced in the near future.
Initial plans for the estimated $7.5-$8.5 million project include improved stage presence and acoustics, increased seating to bring the capacity from 503 to 700 and improved accessibility.
Further specifications will be determined through collaboration with and input from community members and the architect.
The project will be funded by the 65-cent per $1,000 assessed valuation Physical Plant and Equipment Levy that voters approved in September.
Board members Deborah Hatteberg, Anika McVay and William Vance are spearheading a fundraising effort to enable further enhancements such as the purchase of instruments, technology, furnishings, and equipment.
Those interested in donating toward the Burlington Performing Arts Center should email Hatteberg, McVay or Vance, or contact the Administration Building at (319) 753-6791.
