Nazareth College Arts Center Awarded HECap Grant for New Roof

ROCHESTER, NY (07/16/2018) Nazareth College Arts Center is getting a brand new roof thanks to a state grant of more than $450,000. The grant came from the state's Higher Education Capital (known as HECap) Matching Grant program and must be matched by three times the amount in the recipient's spending. The total project cost is more than $1.8M and is expected to start in May 2019 with an expected completion of August 2019.

"The HECap grant will help fund the roof replacement and maintenance project that assures the integrity of the Arts Center for years to come," said Arts Center Executive Director Rita Manelli. "Since 1967, the Nazareth College Arts Center has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts."

The original roof was replaced in 1978 and 1988. The current Arts Center roof is comprised of a PVC membrane, which will be replaced, while keeping the distinctive white roof line intact. Additional flat roof areas will receive BUR (built up roof membrane) replacement; soffit areas will be repaired to reduce air/heat loss; and strip flashing maintenance will extend the life of secondary roof areas. This critical maintenance project enables the Arts Center to maintain its role as critical campus space for learning and performing and an integral events venue for the broader community.

Each year over 61,000 students and community members enjoy over 625 events from performances to art gallery exhibits as well as other campus events at the Arts Center. For example, Nazareth Arts Center welcomes more than 10,000 students, from nearly 120 different area schools, who come to the Arts Center to experience the magic of live performance. Artists and presenters from Chuck Berry to Leonard Nimoy; Cicely Tyson to Christopher Plummer; and Michelle Norris to Deepak Chopra have graced the stage, and three-time Grammy Award winner Branford Marsalis will perform at the Arts Center on October 25. The Arts Center is also an academic space where nearly 2,000 classes, rehearsals, and lessons take place each semester.

The Arts Center's season and K-12 school series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class music, theatre, dance, family programming, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.