The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Completes The Carillon Bell Tower

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is one step closer to readying the curtain in Symphony Park after its "Topping Out" ceremony, held February 25, 2010. The final piece of Reynolds Hall, a staggering 50 tons of steel, was raised to complete the Carillon Bell Tower taking it to its highest point of 170 feet. A symbol of good luck, the steel structure was adorned with an Pine tree that will have a permanent home in the Symphony Park.

"The dream of bringing a world-class stage to Las Vegas inches closer to reality every day," said MyRon Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. "It's both gratifying and exhilarating to watch construction workers make such significant progress on this magnificent facility that will soon enhance the cultural landscape of our city."

Currently ahead of schedule, The Smith Center is looking to welcome its first audience in Spring 2012. Since the ceremonial carillon bell casting and ringing groundbreaking event in May 2009, the construction team has completed one-third of the project. Unlike a typical building, a performing arts center must focus as much time, if not more, on the interior details of the facility to ensure the highest quality experience for its guests.

"What The Smith Center will do for arts and culture in our community is unimaginable," said The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Board Chairman, Donald Snyder. "It will add a dimension that will give the people of our community what they need while adding a level of economic diversification to Las Vegas."

The Smith Center proudly announced six new Founders, donors at the million dollar level or higher, during the "Topping Out" ceremony. With less than 10% of its fundraising efforts left, The Smith Center is entering its public phase of fundraising. Donations at every level bring Las Vegas one step closer to a thriving world-class performing arts center.

During the ceremony Martin unveiled the future street number of The Smith Center, 361, commemorating the wedding anniversary of its namesake, Fred W. and Mary B. Smith. Mayor Oscar Goodman also announced the renaming of Discovery Drive to Symphony Avenue Drive, making the official address of The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue.

The Smith Center will be a major catalyst of redevelopment in downtown and create a new level of economic diversification for the city of Las Vegas. Its economic impact is already being felt by the hundreds of construction workers currently employed by this project. The 4.75 acre complex housing the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the Las Vegas Philharmonic will become the cultural hub of Las Vegas when it opens in Symphony Park, the 61-acre development in downtown Las Vegas.

In celebration of this milestone, The Smith Center launched its all-new website found at www.thesmithcenter.com and a Facebook fan page.

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