U/C Dunfield Theatre Cambridge (Drayton)

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge approves site for Drayton Entertainment
August 10, 2009
By Kevin Swayze, Record staff
http://news.therecord.com/article/583096

CAMBRIDGE — Drayton Entertainment’s plans for a flagship theatre are now in the fast lane, the company’s artistic director says.

After almost three years of talk and scrounging for government grants, city council picked a location Monday night after a sometimes testy debate.

It’s a city parking lot at 46 Grand Ave.at St. Andrew’s St., beside Southworks Outlet Mall.

Now things can start falling into place to design and construct the $6 million theatre, said Alex Mustakas.

He expects concept drawings to be ready by October, and construction started in 2010. The city owned — but Drayton operated — building would be open by the end of 2011.

After a sometimes testy debate, council voted 5-2 to confirm the location and terms of reference that give Drayton the helm of the $18 million project that includes renovations to five other Drayton stages and a new headquarters and workshop at the new Conestoga College campus in Blair. The arrangement calls for $13 million to be spent in Cambridge.

The parking lot location troubled two opponents of the project—and one supporter.

Coun. Ben Tucci has long praised the idea of bringing Drayton to Cambridge, but he repeated his dismay that council rejected out of hand the preferred spot more than a year ago. The Drayton wanted merge with the Cambridge Sculpture Garden along the Grand River, creating a “jewel of Drayton” on the waterfront.

Now, Drayton is stuck with making do with second best, Tucci said. He didn’t belabour the issue, fearing any more delays would scuttle the project, which depends on $6 million from both Ottawa and Queen’s Park, along with Cambridge.

“My concern, quite frankly, if we don’t get on with it, the bird that we have in hand is going to fly the coop.”

Coun. Rick Cowsill said “it’s a bit off the beaten track” and eventually voted against the site.

Contacted after the meeting, Mustakas didn’t share Tucci’s concern about the parking lot location, while he would still liked to have seen a landmark theatre overlooking the river.

“We’re across the street from the river . . . it’s not making do. We’ll make it work.”

He’s already been on site to eyeball where a 17,000-square-foot, 500- to 650-seat theatre could fit. It would take “one-half to one-third” of the two-year-old asphalt, leaving plenty of parking.

Coun. Linda Whetham wanted to delay picking a site, to give time for a public meeting to discuss the location for the theatre, where theatre-goers will park and how much the city was spending in total on the project.

The parking lot site was expropriated, found to be contaminated and cleaned up before it could be covered with pavement two years ago. That cost $2 million—which Whetham was told is in addition to the city’s $6 million commitment.

The theatre will attract upwards of 80,000 paying visitors a year to boost the city’s economy, said Mayor Doug Craig.

“In a year-and-a-half or two years, the community reaps back the benefits,” he said.

Coun. Karl Kiefer called the theatre location a “win-win for the city” because Mustakas is an artistic and financial genius who’s never had a plan go sour.

Twice during the Drayton debate, council members bared their teeth. Coun. Pam Wolf questioned Tucci’s integrity — and Craig told her to mind what she was saying. Craig cut off an angry Tucci when he tried to respond to Wolf.

Later, it was Craig and Whetham in the spotlight. Craig called Whetham a hypocrite in calling for a public meeting on the theatre location, when in the past she’s never asked for public meetings when lobbying for a central seniors centre or the giving $5.6 million to Conestoga College expansion in Blair. Craig wouldn’t let Whetham get a word in as she tried to argue, and he called for a recorded vote.

By fall, the city will have a lease arrangement to consider with Drayton, said Jim King, chief administrative officer. It will spell out the city’s ownership of the building and Drayton’s commitment to cover all operating costs.

Then Drayton will oversee the design and construction of the building, with city oversight, King said.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Drayton Theatre is wise investment
Ben Tucci - Feb 12, 2010 - 2:30 PM
http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/opinion...ise-investment

For those that know me and those that wish they didn’t, I’m known as someone to like a good fight.

I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves and going to work to battle for what I believe is right and worthy of pursuing. The Drayton Theatre in Cambridge is a vision worth fighting for.

Contrary to what some might believe, and for those in our community that are purposely misleading the public, the City Of Cambridge is not giving money away to Drayton Entertainment.

Not only is there no money changing hands for the construction of the theatre, but no money is going to go for operating costs of the theatre. Drayton Entertainment has never had to rely on assistance from any level of government for its annual operating funds. There are no plans to change that formula in Cambridge.

The fact of the matter is that the city has committed $6 million towards the capital cost of building a performing arts theatre which will be home to not only the production and set design, but also to administration for the Drayton family of theatres. Admittedly, that is a lot of money. However, that argument does a disservice to our community if allowed to be made in isolation of all of the other factors. If one is to be fair in evaluating the merits or not of the investment, then one must consider and weigh all of the factors that council used to give the project the green light.

I would respectfully ask people to please consider the following facts.

City of Cambridge committed $6 million to the project as its one third contribution to match the federal government’s $6 million and the provincial government’s $6 million contribution for a total of $18 million. While we know that not all of the $18 million is going to the Cambridge project, we do know that a total of about $15 million will be invested in our community.

In other words, for every dollar we invest, we are getting one and a half dollars from other sources. I have to say that in my 33 years in business I’ve yet to meet anyone that would say no to that type of proposition.

Especially when you consider that for our $6 million dollar investment, we will retain ownership of what will be valued at $15 million the day it opens and which will be appreciating rapidly in years to come.

If this isn’t enough to get you excited and in support of the investment, consider the following as well.

• Revenue anticipated to be $1.7 million in its first year of operation, rising to $3.5 million in five years
• Extra visitor spending generated will amount to $4 million in its first year, rising to $7 million in five years
• Annual taxes generated are projected to be $2.7 million in its first year, rising to $4.8 million in five years
• A partnership with Conestoga College will enable the two entities to create an extensive employment and training network in areas such as construction (detail and structural carpenters, props and scenery building), information and technology (sound engineers, electrical technicians, video production, graphic design), service (seamstresses, front-of-house), marketing & public relations, hospitality & tourism, volunteers, and entertainment (actors, playwrights, musicians, designers, directors).

I can honestly say that the decision to invest in theatre development was made after careful deliberation of all of the facts and not, as some might suggest, on a whim of council. The investment is sound and has a significant and rapid return on our equity, and we retain ownership along the way.

We have also directed staff to monitor the results on an annual basis so that we can provide a report card to the public so that there is no disconnect between the investment of today and returns of tomorrow.

I am reminded of an old saying that goes something like this, “most people have sight but not all of them have vision”.

Luckily for us, the majority of council shared the vision of what this project could and will mean to our city.


Cambridge will benefit
February 22, 2010
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/L...article/673211

Re:

When I was growing up in the area known now as “downtown” Galt, the land was peppered with many industries. They’re mostly gone now although the Living Levee, Mill Race Park, Southworks mall, and the school of architecture all promise a renewed life.

When a new business approaches the city to arrange a start-up in Cambridge, things follow a certain path, including land acquisition, costs and location, location, location. Such is the case with Drayton Entertainment. Since Drayton’s inaugural season of 1991, it has become one of Canada’s most successful theatre companies, winning an impressive six Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for the Arts. It is the third largest regional theatre company in Canada and the seventh largest employer of actors in the country.

There is an approved master plan for arts and culture in Cambridge. If our citizens are going to prepare master plans for the city, I believe it is a good idea to follow through as much as we can.

The City of Cambridge will own this building; Drayton Entertainment will operate the building. The city owns the building that Galt Little Theatre, Inc. occupies at 47 Water Street South and there is community use of the theatre. There will be community use of the new theatre to be built at the corner of St. Andrews Street and Grand Avenue South. The parking lot at this corner was the former home of Walter Bells service station. The lot was originally available to the school of architecture, but has not been required. Much of this lot will remain after construction is completed and will serve the public and theatre-goers. Jobs will need to be filled and the City of Cambridge will greatly benefit. New business equals new taxes. The housing, restaurant and retail markets will profit as well. The offshoots will be felt throughout the region.

Let’s have a supportive attitude toward arts and culture, as we do in sports and recreation, and enhance our way of life for a well-balanced community.

Jeanette Chippindale
Vice-chair, Cambridge Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
Cambridge

[Adrian]

Any more news on this project?

[urbandreamer]

Why isn't it in Drayton, Ontario?

[DHLawrence]

Because Drayton isn't positioned well as far as tourists go. Galt is much better--close to the 401, near a railway line whenever we get GO service, and there are a lot of amenities nearby. Drayton has two restaurants and a variety store; not exactly tourist-friendly.

The facility will also allow Drayton to consolidate their production facilities under one roof; currently administration is in one place, costumes in another, and sets in a third. This will simplify things tremendously.

And what's wrong with Galt?

To answer the previous question, I believe a CFP to architects is coming in a couple months' time.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Alex Mustakas on Drayton Entertainment
March 22, 2010 - http://www.cambridgechamber.com/web-tv.php?epID=26
EDIT: Video want's working, I'll host it elsewhere.

[roberto]

I have heard that the architect may be Diamond and Schmitt and that this will be announced soon.

[Adrian]

Yes, I also heard that the Architect is Diamond and Scmitt from Toronto.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. Website: www.dsai.ca

LEADING CANADIAN ARCHITECTURE FIRM SELECTED FOR CAMBRIDGE PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX
Posted May 3 , 2010 - http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morn...day/050301.htm

CAMBRIDGE – Leading Canadian architectural firm Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. has been selected as the successful candidate to design the new Cambridge Performing Arts Complex, located at 46 Grand Avenue in Galt.

Close to two-dozen proposals were submitted from various architectural firms across Canada in an open and transparent tendering process. An Advisory Committee for the project, consisting of representatives from the City of Cambridge, Drayton Entertainment, and University of Waterloo School of Architecture interviewed a shortlist of five candidates before settling on the Toronto-based firm.

“Diamond and Schmitt has an illustrious reputation, receiving over 150 regional, national, and international awards for design,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “We are confident they possess the vision and expertise to create a design that will serve as a beacon for the city of Cambridge and a source of great pride for its residents.”

Diamond and Schmitt boasts an impressive portfolio of notable performing arts facilities, including the $452 million New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg Russia, and closer to home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto and Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The firm also designed the new Cambridge City Hall in 2008.

“The new Cambridge Performing Arts Complex will embody the excitement and energy of a city with increasing cultural depth and tremendous growth,” says Donald Schmitt, Principal Diamond and Schmitt Architects.

Doug Craig, Mayor of Cambridge, says, “This significant step brings us closer to achieving our long-term vision for the City of Cambridge – one that meets the economic, social, and cultural needs of our residents.”

Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. is one of Canada’s leading full-service architectural practices with over 160 architects currently working on projects worldwide. The firm is well-known for its experience and expertise in the design of award-winning performing arts centres, academic research buildings, and facilities that meet the complex needs of large healthcare institutions.

The project in Cambridge is funded through the Building Canada Fund and includes support from the City of Cambridge, Government of Canada and Province of Ontario. It is anticipated the groundbreaking will occur in the fall, with a projected launch for Drayton Entertainment’s programming in late 2011/early 2012.

[Spokes]

Any news on this? Renderings were supposed to be out by October but I can't seem to find any. And ground broken this fall.

[DHLawrence]

No renderings, but there is news:

Theatre in Home Stretch
Ray Martin, Times Staff
December 27, 2010
It’s taken longer than anticipated, but officials with Drayton Theatre say they are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with their Cambridge project.

“It’s been a long process to do all the due diligence, but we want to make sure we do this right. We’re now in the home stretch,” said Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director Alex Mustakas.

Plans for the new 500-seat theatre, along with production and administration facilities, are now in the final design stages and should be complete by late January, when Drayton will be making a presentation to Cambridge council.

“Our plans are now to break ground and be open in June 2012,” he said. “It will be mid-season, but it’s the best we can do.”

Drayton Entertainment operates six theatres across the province. It’s theatres in Drayton, Grand Bend and Penetanguishene are operated on a seasonal basis. The St. Jacobs Playhouse Theatre and new Cambridge theatre will operate year round.

Mustakas said there will be few dark nights for the Cambridge theatre once it opens, as it will not only present Drayton productions, but will be heavily used by community groups.

In designing the new theatre, Mustakas said a number of compromises had to be made to squeeze everything onto the site at the corner of St. Andrews Street and Grand Avenue, however he is happy with the end result.

“This is a great thing for the city and for us,” he said.

Mustakas said Drayton has yet to start a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of certain elements of the new Cambridge theatre. That campaign is set to begin in January. The city, province and federal governments have all chipped in $6 million to cover the construction cost of the new facility.

As plans for the new theatre are finalized, Mustakas already can envision a second phase for the project to create more rehearsal hall space sometime in the future.

While construction is set to start this summer, Mustakas said $5 million in renovations – funded by the federal and provincial governments at Drayton’s other theatres – is either underway or has been completed.

“Work in Drayton and Penetang has already been completed and we’ve just demolished three-quarters of the building at Grand Bend,” he said.

“We want to have the Grand Bend Playhouse Theatre ready to re-open in June, just in time for its 40th anniversary.”

Mustakas said talks are still continuing with Conestoga College to create a theatre program built around the expertise available through Drayton Entertainment.

[natcordev]

Cambridge approves borrowing $5.1M for Drayton theatre
January 27, 2011 | Kevin Swayze | KW Record | LINK

CAMBRIDGE — Plans for a Drayton Entertainment theatre complex along the Grand River received approval in principle during city hall budget meeting Thursday.

Councillors voted 8-1 to borrow $5.1 million to build a city-owned, 500- to 600-seat theatre on Grand Avenue. Last year, council approved $900,000 for construction drawings.

The approval in principle must be confirmed by a council vote on March 7, city budget day. Funds would be borrowed as municipal debt or from internal existing reserve accounts. Under provincial law, internal borrowing, with interest, must be repaid.

Coun. Rick Cowsill again voted against the city’s contribution Monday, as he has consistently for at least three years....

[natcordev]

There has been a lot of criticism for this project, and comments from the Mayor earlier in the year puts things in perspective really well:

"Nobody complains about the city spending millions to upgrade pools and arenas, Craig said. “Drayton has remained a scapegoat in the budget.”

Personally I beleive this type of investment, similar to the school of architecture is precisely the type of project needed to help drag Cambridge into a Knowledge and Service based economy with less dependance on a drastically shrinking manufacturing sector.

[DHLawrence]

People always complain that there's nothing entertaining to do in Cambridge. So what happens when you give them something to do? Hopefully the dividends will start to roll in quickly once it's open--silence the whining once and for all.

It was voted on 8-1, so odds are it's still going through. Methinks it's time to write to my councillor just as added insurance.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Unveiling of the new community theatre project in Cambridge!
February 4, 2011 | Link

Be at the unveiling of the new community theatre project in Cambridge!

Members of the community and media are invited to attend an important infrastructure event with the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) and Member of Parliament for Cambridge; Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig; Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment; and Gary McCluskie, Principle, Diamond and Schmitt Architects; as they unveil details about the new community theatre project in Cambridge. Learn about the construction schedule
and see what the exciting new structure will look like when complete.

Event Details
Friday, February 4th, 2011 2PM
Cambridge Centre for the Arts
Multipurpose Room (access off of Wellington Street)
60 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario

[Galtonian]

I had the pleasure of attending the announcement and unveiling of the plans for the new theatre. The event was well attended :-)

I have attached the link to the Record article which shows the picture of the finished theatre.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...nment#Comments

[UrbanWaterloo]

I was also at this afternoon's announcement. Here's 3 photos (more to come)....

February 4, 2011

Cambridge City Council


Doug Craig, Alex Mustakas, Gary Goodyear


Rendering: Exterior Perspective From Grand Avenue

[Spokes]

How is it oriented? Facing Grand Ave?

[UrbanWaterloo]

Cambridge's New Performance Theatre Designs Unveiled
City of Cambridge | February 4, 2011 | PDF

Citizens of Cambridge got a sneak peak of the designs for the new performing arts complex today when MP Gary Goodyear, Mayor Doug Craig and
members of the Cambridge City Council hosted an information event today.

“The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this exciting project that will bring countless economic and cultural benefits to this region,” said Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) and Member of Parliament for Cambridge. “This new arts complex will boost tourism, create jobs, showcase local talent, and put Cambridge on the map as a world-class theatre destination for years to come.”

John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, said the Ontario government's funding commitment is another example of a multi-governmental partnership that is bringing about change and fostering economic prosperity. "This project will benefit Waterloo Region as we create new jobs, support local arts, culture and tourism and help reposition our economy for future opportunities."

“The community information session allowed us to provide an important update to our community for this much anticipated development that will further spur arts and culture opportunities here while contributing to core area rejuvenation,” said Mayor Doug Craig. Craig credits the federal and provincial governments for their vision and leadership to support this project under the Building Canada Fund (BCF).

The 46 Grand Avenue location within the Galt downtown was selected as home to the new 500-seat theatre complex, along with consolidated administration offices, production, and support facilities for Drayton Entrainment. The total project cost is $20.9 million, which also includes technical upgrades to several of Drayton Entertainment’s existing Ontario venues. The governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Cambridge have committed $6 million each towards the total eligible project costs, with Drayton Entertainment responsible for the remaining funding. From the municipal allocation, $5.1 million is in the budget this year for the 59,000 square foot Cambridge facility, while $900,000 was budgeted from the City’s 2010 Capital Budget to cover the costs associated with design.

Council endorsed the project and terms of reference in August 2009. The project was publicly tendered by the City of Cambridge in January 2010 and the architectural contact was awarded to Diamond and Schmitt Architects in June of that same year. Locally-based Melloul-Blamey Construction serves as construction managers for the development awarded through a public tender process in 2009. The construction schedule is shaping up as follows:

• February 04, 2011: community update and schematic design
• Mid-February: Commence Working Drawings
• Early April: Issuance of Site Plan Application
• Mid-June to Late June: Issuance of Permits
• Late-June to early July: Ground Breaking

“These plans are the culmination of discussions and due diligence with three levels of government,” said Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Our plan has always been to develop a sustainable theatre that will service the social, cultural, and economic needs of the City of Cambridge, within a fiscally responsible budget. We believe this theatre design will blend with the beauty of Cambridge’s existing architecture by acknowledging the city’s rich and varied history, while also looking forward to its exciting future.”

Drayton Entertainment, a non-profit charitable organization, is one of Canada's most successful professional theatre companies presenting to some 200,000 patrons each year at its six professional theatres in four Ontario communities. Cambridge’s complex is expected to be complete in late summer, 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions
PDF

Q1. How did this project originate, and how has the public been involved?
As required per Government Contribution Agreement guidelines, the process thus far has been completely transparent since public inception. Studies which pre-date the involvement of Drayton Entertainment, along with the City of Cambridge Arts & Cultural Master Plan released in 2009, identified both a lack of physical space (performance facility) and opportunity to meet cultural, social, educational, and economic needs. Forward-thinking individuals (business people, arts representatives, the Mayor and members of council) began discussions with Drayton Entertainment on operating a theatre in Cambridge as part of its sustainable model of operations – a model that has been applauded and rewarded (including six Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for the Arts for demonstrated exceptional private sector and community support). Three public committees were established to assist: the Site-Selection Committee, the Advisory Committee, and the Architectural Services Committee. These committees ensure a sufficient system of checks and balances so this public investment is sustainable for the long-term.

Q2. What is the official name of Cambridge’s new performance theatre?
The final name of the theatre is not confirmed. Naming opportunities are being considered as part of the fundraising campaign for the theatre as well as other dedicated spaces throughout the complex. For the purpose of government correspondence and communication, to this point it has been referred to as the Cambridge Performing Arts Complex.

Q3. How many seats will the theatre contain?
The theatre will contain 500 seats.

Q4. What is the project footprint?
The footprint is approximately 59,000 square feet and includes the theatre, administration offices, production, and support facilities.

Q5. What is the project budget?
The project budget is estimated at $14.0 million and includes a 500-seat theatre and Drayton Entertainment’s consolidated administration offices, production, and support facilities. The project is part of a larger $20.9 million project through the Building Canada Program, which includes capital upgrades at several Drayton Entertainment theatres including the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, and St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo. The City’s contribution to the project has always been $6.0 million. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $6.0 million and the Province of Ontario is contributing up to $6.0 million. The remainder is the responsibility of Drayton Entertainment.

Q6. Who will own the Cambridge Performing Arts Complex?
The City of Cambridge will maintain ownership of the land at 46 Grand Ave. along with the estimated $14.0 million complex, and have no obligation to provide operating dollars on an annual basis.

Q7. How has the project been tendered?
The tender date postings for RFPs regarding Construction Management and Architectural Services were December 11, 2009 and January 19, 2010, respectively. As required by all three levels of government, the contract award process for eligible costs to be funded under this project was competitive, fair, transparent, and consistent with the Agreement on Internal Trade. The RFPs were issued through MERX, Canada's leading electronic-tendering service, thereby satisfying requirements that this process be open across Canada and not limited to regional in scope. Architectural Services were chosen by members of Drayton Entertainment, City of Cambridge employees, and members of the Advisory Committee. There were 19 Architectural firms from across Canada (including two local firms) who submitted RFPs. Five firms were placed on a short list for interviews (including two local firms). Diamond and Schmitt was selected as the successful proponent. Construction Management Services were chosen by Drayton Entertainment as per Government Contribution Agreement guidelines stated above. There were six submissions from Ontario based companies. Melloul-Blamey Construction was selected as the successful proponent.

Q8. Who will use Cambridge’s new performance theatre?
Aside from the annual professional theatre season that will draw thousands of residents and tourists and act as a cultural, educational, and economic hub, there will be myriad uses by other organizations from dance companies to theatre groups, music organizations to schools, public speaking to community fundraisers, to name just a few.

Q9. Is Drayton Entertainment a sustainable organization?
Drayton Entertainment is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization (12591 1313 RR0001). As such, it maintains full compliance with Ontario’s Charities Accounting Act. It is viewed as a viable partner by the City of Cambridge because the organization does not receive annual operating funds from local, provincial, or federal arts councils, nor does it receive annual operating funds from any other municipality in which it is located. It is sustainable and selfsufficient, with an award-winning business model studied across the country.

Photo Gallery
Link

Exterior Rendering


Site Plan


Context