The Mitchell (S.D.) School District has delayed the opening of its $15.3 million performing arts center until early February.
The Mitchell Daily Republic reports that the fire alarms and other safety systems in the 67,000-square-foot center were not ready so the district postponed a Jan. 15 grand opening event.
Installing the safety systems is one of the final touches for the building project, Superintendent Joe Graves says, but delays earlier in the construction process, put the installation behind schedule.
The center will be open for events, and students will begin occupying classroom space Feb. 1, Graves says. The grand opening for the center has been put off until April 9 so that donors who were “critical” to making the project a reality may attend.
The facility features a 1,200-seat theater, a new classroom wing and more space for the district's fine arts offerings. The designer, MSH Architects, says the center is the largest high school auditorium in South Dakota.
Because of the delayed opening, a one-act play will be held later this month in the Mitchell High School auditorium instead.
