HUNTINGTON BEACH : Art Center Opening Delayed Until 1995

Construction snags have delayed the opening of the city’s long-awaited Art Center.

Renovation of the 11,500-square-foot brick building at 538 Main St. was halted when it was discovered that the structure could not accommodate the high windows that were going to be installed without modifications costing $440,000.

“We mutually agreed to terminate the contract with the contractor because the costs were too high to finish 20% of the project,” said Michael Mudd, cultural services manager.

As a result, the opening exhibition is now planned for February, 1995, Mudd said, pushed back from late December.

A total of $750,000 in private donations has been raised for the Art Center, which will have three galleries, a performance area, classroom and studio space, bookstore, kitchen and administrative offices.

Mudd said that the city is working with the project management firm of Fundament & Associates of Huntington Beach to complete the project.

The City Council is expected to consider the revised plans in early October with work completed by early December, Mudd said.

Art center staff is expected to begin working at the new facility in December.

Mudd said despite delays in opening, the Art Center has drawn an significant community and corporate financial support but that donations still are needed.

Capital costs are now estimated at $1.2 million, and money is needed to build the program endowment fund.

Mudd said the center will need about $550,000 for annual operating expenses.

The city has committed $81,000 next fiscal year toward those costs.

Through the center’s fund-raising arm, Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, its four support groups have also had a number of events to raise money for the project.

Starting Wednesday, a five-day equestrian event, Summer Classic V, is planned at Huntington Central Park, next to the equestrian center.

The event, held since 1990, is expected to draw more than 300 horse and rider teams and raise $75,000 for the Art Center, Mudd said.

Last year’s Summer Classic raised $50,000.

Admission is free. VIP seating for Saturday and Sunday is $75 a person, and front-row seats are $125.

For tickets, call (714) 536-5258.