Clear Space Theater Co. to Proceed with New Performing Arts Center in Rehoboth
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – The Clear Space Theater Company (CSTC) and the City of Rehoboth Beach have agreed to move forward with developing a comprehensive public-private partnership agreement.
The agreement comes after extensive negotiations regarding the location and leasing of a new performing arts center in Sussex County. The CSTC Board of Directors formally accepted a letter of intent from the City at a special meeting held on Thursday, Oct. 23. In accepting the letter, CSTC puts an end to the 18-month long site selection process, and commits to remaining in Rehoboth Beach, where it has been based since 2010.
“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am thrilled that Clear Space gas selected our offer and plans on staying in the City of Rehoboth Beach,” said Mayor Stan Mills. “Clear Space has always enriched Rehoboth Beach culturally, socially, creatively, and economically. It is a top-notch performing arts center that is near and dear to our residents, visitors, and business owners. We believe its a win-win, and we look forward to many more years of our partnership with Clear Space.”
The center will be homed at 11 Christian Street after the Cape Henlopen Senior Center relocated to its next location on Hebron Road. The total cost of the new performing arts center is approximately $40 million, and it will include a proscenium mainstage, a flexible seating black box, a rehearsal
studio, expanded lobby, and much more.
While CSTC will own and operate the new facility, it is intended to be a state-of-the-art hub for arts organizations across the region. CSTC says they anticipate beginning a national request for proposal process for the project’s architect soon, with community forums for residents and audiences to follow next year.
“While our physical building will remain in Rehoboth Beach, we still intend to partner with key institutions in communities across coastal Delaware to expand the reach of our Arts Institute and of our mainstage programming through satellite classroom and performance opportunities in the years to come,” said CSTC Board Chair Megan Nehrbas.
