A cheaper–but more expensive–Gboro performing arts center

N&R reports:

Officials overseeing plans for downtown’s new performing arts center are mulling downgrades to the design to save money.

A scaled-back lobby. A cheaper sound system. Fewer architectural details.

But even then, the cost of building the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts still would go over budget.

What jumps out at me in the N&R report–based on public records released by the City of Greensboro— is officials are looking at “a LARES-brand sound system rather than the top-of-the-line Constellation-brand recommended by the symphony” —-which would save $958,000 (I know nothing about sound systems) while 25 more parking spaces would cost $1 million. I have no idea how this makes sense.

Earlier this month the N&R pondered whether $65 million was enough to build a state-of-the-art performing arts center. I guess we now know the answer—looks the city will indeed have to consider going to state Sen. Trudy Wade for help in securing a grant from the state.

But suing the purse holder doesn’t exactly get you to the front of the line.