Greensboro’s proposed $78 million performing arts center—-named the Steven Tanger Center fordownload the Performing Arts after the largest private donor—was unveiled during a press conference Wednesday morning.

Despite the fact that progress has been slower and costlier than expected—-original cost estimate was $65 million in what Mayor Nancy Vaughan has described as an “unprecedented public/private partnership.”—- city leaders nevertheless were pleased:

In a process that has been slower and more expensive than many anticipated, Greensboro City Council members said Wednesday they feel they’re headed in the right direction.

“I think when you see these renderings, you realize it’s important to have taken the time we have,” Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann said after the press conference. “We’re going to get a building that’s fabulous from the day it opens.

While District 5 council member Tony Wilkins gave Greensboro Coliseum director Matt Brown–who is overseeing the project a “bravo,” he nevertheless “remained skeptical the project won’t require further investment from the city.”