CULLMAN, Ala. – The City of Cullman is moving forward with a $1.5 million renovation and expansion of The Center of the Arts Community Theatre, a project city officials say will create a flexible performing arts facility for theater, music, choirs, schools and community groups.
The project will be funded through a $750,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant and a $750,000 local match from the city.
City officials said the funding will be used to renovate and expand the existing building for the performing arts theater. The majority of the project cost is expected to go toward construction.
The estimated completion date is fall 2027.
Once renovated, the facility will be scheduled and programmed by Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, with input from local interested parties.
City officials said the Center of the Arts Community Theatre is being designed as a true community facility. It will serve as the primary home for Cullman Community Theatre, the Cullman Community Band and local choirs, while also serving schools, civic organizations and other community groups.
The facility’s calendar will be managed by CPRST to ensure the building is accessible, well-managed and available for performances, rehearsals, meetings and special events.
The city said a 2025 community forum played an important role in shaping the project by confirming the need for flexibility.
City officials said every performing arts group has different needs, whether it is theater, dance, choir or community band concerts. Because of that, the building needs to be able to adapt to a variety of performances and rehearsal setups instead of being designed for only one type of use.
Another major takeaway from the forum came from community band and choir members, who expressed the need for a large open rehearsal space backstage. City officials said that type of space would allow groups to practice even when the auditorium is being used for performances or other events.
The city said the forum reinforced the excitement surrounding the project and gave officials confidence that the facility will be used by a wide range of performing arts organizations for years to come.
Community Consultants, Inc. will administer the grant and assist with grant documentation and requirements.
Because the project has not yet gone out to bid, city officials said it is too early to know exactly where construction costs will land. However, the city’s goal is to complete a fully functional facility that is ready to host performances for all user groups within the funding provided through the grant and local match.
Officials said the community forum also generated several wish-list ideas that will be considered as funding allows. Those enhancements could be supported over time through additional grants, donations and fundraising efforts led by organizations that use the facility.
The Cullman City Council on Monday, July 22, 2024, approved the purchase of the historic First United Pentecostal Church building, located at the corner of Third Avenue Northeast and Clark Street Northeast, behind Cullman City Hall, to house the new venue.
