The Bellevue Youth Theatre will break ground on its new facility Tuesday, April 2. The free event will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St.
Attendees will be able to see a special performance by the Bellevue Youth Theatre Glee Club, building renderings and floor plans, a computer-animated video that shows the future building both inside and out, speeches, and a short groundbreaking ceremony.
The contractor, Pease Construction Inc., will begin construction in May, and the work is expected to last approximately 18 months, with the new theater opening in late 2014.
The innovative 12,000-square-foot building, designed by Becker Architects of Bellevue, will be nestled in a hillside near the Crossroads Community Center. The larger space will accommodate growing demand and address several concerns with the theater’s current location. It will contain 150-seat black-box theatre that offers flexible seating options, including a “theater in the round” indoor space and a stage that can open to the outdoors. With a natural green roof, the LEED-designed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building will be efficient to heat and cool.
The BYT Foundation has committed $1 million toward the $8.5 million theater through a private fundraising campaign. A combination of funds from a voter-approved 2008 Parks & Natural Areas Levy, city capital project funds, and grants from a King County Green Building Grant and 4Culture, will also be used for the project.
With the exception of a three- or four-week period, the Crossroads Community Center is expected to remain open throughout construction. However, all primary community center parking will be detoured to the north parking lot at 15801 NE 15th St., at the entrance to the Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course lot. Parking for people with disabilities, and limited drop-offs, will remain accessible at the main community center entrance during center hours. The Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course will remain open.
Founded in 1990, the Bellevue Youth Theatre presents 10 productions each year, entertaining thousands, and provides summer and school-break day camps and theatre classes.
