For years, the McClarty Center for the Fine and Performing Arts was talked about a lot, created in the forms of blueprints and renderings, and had multiple fundraising efforts on its behalf.
Now, all of those discussions, creations and donations are set to become reality.
In front of over 100 people which included donors, supporters, community members, board members, district management and members of the RC family, the official kickoff to construction took place with a groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-be jewel of the campus March 2 under beautiful blue skies. “We’re excited to share this day with our Reedley College family, community members, business partners and local artists,” said RC President Dr. Jerry Buckley. “This facility will create many wonderful moments for all of us, starting with this groundbreaking event. I’ve been excited for this day for a long time, and cannot wait to see the many performances we will be able to host here.”
The $28 million dollar center will be 25-thousand square feet, complete with a five-hundred seat performance hall (which will be known as the Pete P. Peters Theatre), box office, concession stand, art gallery, greenroom and a large lobby area. Seals construction is the builder for the project, with Darden Architects as the designer. Guest speakers at the event included Harold McClarty, who donated $1-million towards the project, Dennis Peters, the nephew of the late Pete Peters, and Robert Petithomme of Darden Architects. SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Carole Goldsmith, members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Buckley, donors and partners took part in the ceremonial shoveling of dirt to officially mark the start of construction. Christine Keenan of our Music Department also said a few words and conducted the instrumental performances by the Reedley Community Band throughout the program.
The facility is expected to be completed in June of 2023.
