North Central concert hall edges toward opening night

Construction on North Central College's concert hall and fine arts center is nearing its grand finale.

Crews are working on the interior of the $30 million, 57,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Ellsworth Street and Chicago Avenue in downtown Naperville that's set to open in September.

"To see this dream becoming a reality, to see this baby being born, is absolutely amazing," said Brian Lynch, the school's director of fine arts.

The 13,000-square-foot Wentz Concert Hall with state-of-the-art acoustics will hold 605 patrons.

With a four-inch gap between the concert hall and every other part of the facility to ensure the sound stays within the hall, Lynch says it is a "building within a building."

It's named after 1963 graduate Myron Wentz, a scientist and entrepreneur who has donated nearly $10 million to the college.

The fine arts center is also home to the Bartley and Maricela Madden Theatre, a black-box facility that can seat 150. Its mobile seats and stage allow for multiple configurations, giving it the flexibility to be used for classes during the day and performances at night - or even to be turned into a dance studio, according to Lynch.

Other features include the Schoenherr Art Gallery, a catering kitchen, offices and rehearsal spaces that are carefully designed to be soundproof.

The venue already is attracting big-name performers to campus. The upcoming season at the Wentz Concert Hall will include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

Lynch said the college's new facilities also have made an impact on attracting new fine arts students.

"We've been recruiting the best for a while," he said. "This year is no exception and there are more of them."

Fundraising for the performing arts center is still ongoing. The college has raised nearly $29 million from more than 2,500 donors.

Rick Spencer, vice president for institutional advancement, said as someone who grew up in Naperville and has worked at the college for 27 years, it has been exciting to see alumni, residents and corporations commit to the project.

"Knowing the impact this college has had on the community and the impact the community has had on the college it's a wonderful moment when you have the synergy of town and gown," he said.

There are still a variety of naming opportunities available, such as on concert hall seats, offices and the lobby of the facility. Interested donors can call (630) 637-5211.

The college will celebrate the concert hall's opening several times this fall. There will be a private event for donors Sept. 30, a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 18 during homecoming weekend and an official gala opening Nov. 15 when the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs.

For information on upcoming performances, visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/show or call (630) 637-7469.

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