The Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) has chosen designers for the new performing arts center, and their vision is stunning. MICA and the design team – Framework Cultural Placemaking and Owen Richards Architects (ORA) – have shared the following design illustrations for the $20 million multi-theatre facility, projected to open at the end of 2017.

Imagine this backdrop for your Sunday stop at the Farmers’ Market . . .

Imagine a state-of-the-art concert hall for world-class performers as well as our local children’s performances by Youth Theatre Northwest and Island Youth Ballet . . .

Imagine this beautiful and convenient destination for date night . . .

Imagine this summer stage for Shakespeare in the Park, Mostly Music in the Park, Movies in the Park, and other outdoor performances . . .

Imagine a stage for classical chamber ensembles and for the recitals of your budding musician . . .

The new center will be located at the Northwest corner of Mercerdale Park. The proposed design is 38,000 square feet and will be a multi-theater venue for plays, dance, concerts, recitals, lectures, films and other performing arts. The facility plans include a 350-seat main stage concert hall, 150-seat recital hall, 100-seat theater lab, art gallery, studios, meeting rooms, offices, and reception spaces. Classrooms and rehearsal space will be included for teaching students (from children to seniors) music and art skills. It will also include a gift shop with the work of local and regional artists.

Read MICA’s press release about their design team selection and visit MICA’s website.

Check out the Seattle Times recent article about the Mercer Island Center for the Arts.