RSD News-Renton Performing Arts Center

In 1998, when Renton voters approved the second phase of the district's 20-year construction plan to renovate, renew or rebuild school buildings in the district, part of that plan was to renovate Renton High School including building a new auditorium. Community members liked the idea but thought they'd like to see something bigger. The group, led by Char Baker, asked the school district about expanding the auditorium to create a larger performing arts center for use by the greater Renton community. Estimates were prepared and the group was given several options of what the building would look like and the cost for each option. The group decided on a $1.5 million option and set out to raise the additional money. In just a short 18-month timeline, the group raised the entire amount needed with contributions from private and business partners. The largest contributor was IKEA, with a donation of $500,000.The additional money raised by the community group expanded the plans to build an auditorium at Renton High School into Renton’s largest community Performing Arts Center (PAC).
The additions include:
• Larger seating area (550 seats)
• More parking
• Better lighting/sound for professional performances
• A "green" room for performers to get preparedThe PAC will host local, state and national performances. Touring theater groups from as far away as Texas and North Carolina have already called to ask about booking performances. Superintendent Dolores Gibbons has begun talks to host programs from the Seattle Opera, the University of Washington’s Meany Hall Theater and other nationally recognized performing arts programs.

Artist's Rendering
Demolition work begins.	Demolition continues at a quick pace.
Most heavy work done after end of school day.	With the interior gone, all that's left is the shell.
Debris removal begins.	Old wing is gone making way for the Performing Arts Center.
Construction of Performing Arts Center is underway.	The new facility begins to take shape.
October 2002	January 2003 - A look at the Performing Arts Center with newly remodelled RHS in background
Jan 2003 - A closer look at the Performing Arts Center	April 2003
April 2003	April 2003