$14M Upgrade Progressing at Northern State Fine Arts Center

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Crews have gutted the Johnson Fine Arts Center at Northern State University as they prepare the facility for a $14 million upgrade.

Construction began in May on the project that will add more than 18,000 square feet to the 48,000-square-foot center and give existing spaces updated looks and equipment. Changes include new seating and acoustic improvements in the theater, lobby improvements, a new black box theatre and new office spaces in which faculty can also teach.

NSU Provost Alan LaFave tells the American News (http://bit.ly/1LNqGfA) the biggest changes will be in the main theater, which will get seating, lighting and sound upgrades.

The project is expected to conclude next June. Productions in the meantime have been moved to other spots on campus and to the Capitol Theatre in downtown Aberdeen.

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