Brief History: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts

At First Street and Riverside Drive, the distinctive arc of the Long Center for the Performing Arts looms before Lady Bird Lake. The center is more than just a landmark. Fifteen years ago, its signature arc was the defining feature of yet another beloved Downtown Austin venue: the Lester E. Palmer Auditorium. What’s the history behind this iconic and beautifully reconstructed building, now deemed Austin’s “Creative Home”? In 1998, Austinites voted to approve the City’s lease of what was then Palmer Auditorium to the nonprofit group Arts Center Stage. Use by Center Stage included renovation as a community performing arts venue. Due to changes in the economy, however, the initial project went back to the drawing board. A new plan was unveiled in 2003 that would provide both a home for major performing arts organizations and a showcase venue for over 200 small and minority Austin-area performing arts organizations. On December 10, 2003, the Long Center’s Board of Trustees approved TeamHaas Architects, in conjunction with Ziedler Partnerships, as lead architects; Fisher Dachs Associates for theatre planning and design; and Jaffe Holden Acoustics, Inc., as acoustician. Reconstruction of Palmer Auditorium finally began in the Spring of 2005, and new construction began in the Fall. The Grand Opening of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts took place on March 28^th, 2008. Green Austin The architecture of the Long Center reflects a deep commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Over 95% of the material from the deconstructed Palmer Auditorium was recycled into the distinctive finishes and fixtures of the Long Center! The aluminum Palmer roof panels now form the exterior finish of Dell Hall. Glass Panels now honoring major Long Center supporters were fabricated from the exterior curtain wall of the former auditorium. Austin Arts Real Estate for the Future The mission of the Long Center for the Performing Arts is two-fold. First, it aims to provide a creative home for performing artists and organizations with facilities that promote excellence, encourage originality and promote collaboration (The Long Center provides a permanent home for the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, and Ballet Austin.). Second, it vows to broaden the appreciation and enjoyment of the cultural arts by connecting diverse audiences to local, regional, national and international artists in a world class venue. The Long Center represents a continued investment made by private citizens that will contribute to Austin’s economic and cultural vitality for years to come. Future investments will help complete its vision, which includes a family theatre and a recital/education building! Support the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts. Visit www.thelongcenter.org to learn how you and your organization can contribute, and don’t miss out on its 2012 summer/winter season! See below for the line-up. The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group support organizations like the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts. They also believe in helping homebuyers stay on top of the Austin market. On the lookout for a Luxury Home in Austin, Texas? Check out Regent Property Group’s Austin Home Search!   LONG CENTER 2012 SEASON LINE-UP   JUNE 8 The Intergalactic Nemesis Book Two - Robot Planet Rising   JUNE 20-24 One-Man Lord of The Rings Trilogy   SEPTEMBER 20-25 RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles   OCTOBER 7-8 Girls Night: The Musical   OCTOBER 9 National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China   OCTOBER 11-16 Life in a Marital Institution   OCTOBER 19 Complexions Contemporary Ballet   OCTOBER 22 Chamber Orchestra Kremlin   OCTOBER 26 Huey Lewis and the News   OCTOBER 27-30 The Improvised Shakespeare Company   NOVEMBER 10 Mariachi Sol de Mexico with Vikki Carr   NOVEMBER 22 The Intergalactic Nemesis Book One - Target Earth   NOVEMBER 25 Sing-a-Long Sound of Music   DECEMBER 21-22 Guy Forsyth & Carolyn Wonderland Holidays by Candlelight   DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE LONG CENTER From South Austin, I-35 (for residents of Olympic Heights, etc) Take I-35 North. Exit Riverside Drive and head West (left). Pass the intersection at South 1^st St. and follow the traffic circle around (changing direction). The Long Center entrance is on the right just before the intersection at South 1^st St. From South Austin, MOPAC/Loop 1 (for residents of Circle C, Village at Western Oaks, Travis Country West, Ridge at Lantana, etc). Take MOPAC (Loop 1) north and exit 1st St/Cesar Chavez St. Follow Cesar Chavez east to Guadalupe St. and veer right onto South 1st Street, then follow the South 1st street bridge across Lady Bird Lake. Turn right onto Riverside Drive and follow the traffic circle around (changing direction). The Long Center entrance is on the right, just before the intersection at South 1^st St. From Northwest and North Austin, I-35 (for residents of Falcon Pointe, Avery Ranch, Ranch at Brushy Creek, etc.) Take I-35 south. Exit Riverside Drive and head west (right). Pass the intersection at South 1^st St. and follow the traffic circle around (changing direction). The Long Center entrance is on the right just before the intersection at South 1^st St. From the Northwest and North Austin, MOPAC (Loop 1) (for residents of Milwood, Great Hills, Riverplace, Steiner Ranch) Take MOPAC (Loop 1) South. Exit 1^st St/Cesar Chavez St. Follow Cesar Chavez west to Guadalupe St and veer right onto South 1^st Street. Follow the 1^st Street bridge across Lady Bird Lake. Turn right onto Riverside Drive and follow the traffic circle around (changing direction). The Long Center is on the right, just before the intersection at South 1^st St.