To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Downtown business and art leaders are responding to the city's proposal of a Greensboro performing arts center.

Most council members agree it would have the greatest economic impact in the center city area, but coliseum leaders say replacing the outdated War Memorial Auditorium with a new center makes the most financial sense because there's already parking and amenities in place.

But Ed Wolverton, president of Downtown Greensboro Inc. said it's more affordable for the center to sit in the downtown area than city leaders have proposed.

"They said 'Well you're going to have to buy a six-acre site and it's going to be $3 million.' Well there's city land that could perhaps be used where you don't have to pay that cost, and they said 'Well you're going to have to pay $20 million on parking.' Well the city already has four parking garages," said Wolverton.

Keith Holliday, president of the Carolina Theatre, said he agrees there is a need for the center, but is looking to have it act as a partner to the downtown art district.

"If you could leverage it somewhere in this area, and compliment the theatre here, plus Triad Stage you could create a pretty nice, centralized theatre district here in downtown Greensboro," said Holliday.

The consensus from downtown leaders is that the performing arts center could certainly enhance the local economy, bringing more patrons into area bars and restaurants, but they said planning should not be rushed.

City officials are writing a bond referendum for June, in time for the November ballot.

"To have city staff just say, well we've got to do it now and we have to have it now, really we need to look at the big picture," said Wolverton.

Holliday agreed, explaining that in the current economy, this may not be the time for further bond debt.

"I would support it, but I think the general population out there with 10 percent unemployment, with frankly a potential tax increase by the county commissioners, based on trying to pay bond debt for jails and schools, I think is really going to create a sour taste in people's mouths to want to go further in debt for an art facility,” said Holliday.

Voters turned down bond referendums for upgrades to the War Memorial Auditorium in 2006 and 2008.