Labor for the arts: Worthington's long-awaited, controversial performance center makes its debut

Oct 17, 2009 (The Columbus Dispatch - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- WOR | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- For more than 10 years, Worthington city leaders pondered, debated and, finally, completed a new arts center.

The city kicked in the initial $1 million toward the project in October 2000, but fundraising was sporadic until 2005, when Worthington Industries founder John H. McConnell, the husband of the center's namesake, donated $1 million.

There were heated exchanges about who should control the arts center -- the schools, the arts community or the city -- as well as where it should be located and who should be allowed to use it.

"It was like a pipe dream, a fantasy," Worthington City Councilwoman Bonnie Michael said of the early days of planning. "And then the money started coming in, and I was like, 'Oh my, I think it really can happen.' "

The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington will have its first public event today when Storyhill, an acoustic duo from Montana, performs at 7:30 p.m.

The official grand opening will be next month.

"I think it's going to be a crown jewel for our community," Michael said.

"The biggest challenge we had was that people didn't think it would happen," said Nancy Goorey, who led the project's fundraising efforts. "When people don't believe it would happen, they don't want to give you money."

It didn't help that the country was in the midst of a recession in 2002 when organizers were ramping up fundraising efforts, Goorey said.

Adding to the uncertainty were escalating costs, almost doubling from an initial estimate of $3.2 million to $5.9 million, she said. "Every time we thought we were there, we weren't."

Finally, there was the criticism from former Councilman William Fallon, who objected to the city's initial contribution for renovating the former school building, ongoing maintenance and Mrs. Goorey's role as fundraiser.

"One guy's obligating the city's money," he said at the time of council President Lou Goorey. "And (Mrs. Goorey's) on the receiving end of the overall benefit. That doesn't seem right to me."

Goorey, who said he donated about $40,000 to the center, dismisses the attacks.

"We have put more money, effort and time in this, and we never expected to get any financial remuneration."

Fallon remains unconvinced.

"We've accepted a huge responsibility providing, maintaining and operating this indefinitely all to accommodate the school district."

Fallon also objects to taxpayers in a city of 15,000 having to pay to maintain a nonessential facility that will benefit a whole region

The school district sold its former Packard Annex on 1.3 acres to the city for $1. The city, in turn, leases the property to the nonprofit arts center board, which handles programming.

City Manager Matt Greeson came into the debate two years ago and was impressed at the final cooperation of all parties.

"Had we not had a focused group of individuals from the capital campaign to the arts council to the city and the schools then it just would have dragged on," he said.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

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