DECATUR, Ala. — The Alabama Center for the Arts broke ground on Monday for their new $15 million facility, expanding music and dance programs for local colleges. The space will come with dancing areas, music practice rooms and other resources available.
"You can never grow too much. You can never learn enough when it comes to dancing," said Calhoun Community College Student Carolina Riddle.
"I can't stress the importance of the arts," said Kim Parker. Officials say this will allow students to strengthen their skillset while attending college.
"I love to come to and watch our music events. I love to come and watch our theater events," said Calhoun Community College President Jimmy Hodges, "There's no place like this in the country." Parker said, "We want our school to help bring the arts to the masses, so this expansion just lets us do that in another way."
Students have rehearsed in smaller spaces for years. Riddle said, "We started the dance class in 2022 at an old yoga studio and since then we have moved to the rehearsal room in the Alabama Center for the Arts building."
The upcoming 14,000 sq. ft. facility is already sparking excitement and inspiration. "I just looked at the ground plan for the first time and it looks like it's going to be amazing. It's going to be so helpful and it's going to be amazing to have the resources that it's going to be providing for us," said Riddle.
Construction for the new facility is expected to conclude in January 2026.