Mauldin Cultural Center begins fundraising for final phase of renovations
April 30, 2015
MAULDIN, SC – After over a decade, the vision of an artistic and cultural hub in downtown Mauldin is finally coming together.
The city of Mauldin revealed plans on April 29 for the final phase of renovations for the old elementary school building that currently houses the Mauldin Cultural Center. The building was purchased from the Greenville County School District by the city through the efforts of a group of dedicated citizens in 2003. Since then, the property has developed from an abandoned site in the center of the city to a vibrant resource that offers a variety of cultural opportunities to citizens, including classes, workshops, and a free outdoor concert series.
The development of the Mauldin Cultural Center has also been well-received by business and civic groups. The Mauldin Chamber of Commerce has their offices inside the building, and the Mauldin Rotary Club supported some of the earliest renovations.
However, some of the building remains unfinished, limiting the center’s use. The proposed renovations include combining two unfinished classrooms into a large innovation center for rent by artists, performers, and businesses; finishing a green room off of the theater, which will double as a conference room; adding a permanent stage cover and advanced equipment to the outdoor amphitheater; and making general safety improvements to the building.
“This project has been a part of Mauldin’s fabric for over a decade,” said Tim Brett, a local resident who is leading the fundraising efforts for the project. “We are asking the Mauldin community to come together to help us finish the renovations, so we are finally able to fully enjoy everything that this center has to offer.”
The community’s personal support for the Mauldin Cultural Center is reflected in the campaign’s giving opportunities. All donors giving over $250 will be invited to sign their name on a wall of supporters within the Mauldin Cultural Center at a celebration event to conclude the campaign. Other giving incentives include rental time at the center and tickets to center events. Corporate naming opportunities are also available.
For a full description of the renovation projects and giving opportunities, visit www.mauldinculturalcenter.org/onevision.
About the Mauldin Cultural Center
The Mauldin Cultural Center is the product of community partners all with the vision of developing a community Cultural Center for the City of Mauldin on the grounds of the original Mauldin High School and later Mauldin Elementary School. The building was constructed in 1937 as a WPA Project and has since seen a few minor updates as the schools grew. In 2003, the City of Mauldin began the process of purchasing the 14 acre property as the first step toward creating a City Center. The facility is a city-owned property and is managed by the Office of Cultural Affairs.
Currently, the Mauldin Cultural Center hosts almost 30,000 people and over 1,000 events annually. Class, performances, exhibits, community meetings and private rentals are among the various offerings at the MCC. For more information, visit www.mauldinculturalcenter.org.
