Green Music Center Re-Envisioning Moves Project Ahead

Serendipitously, Sonoma State University was forced by high construction bids last spring to rethink the Green Music Center plans which led to a new architect, BAR Architects of San Francisco and Foster City construction managers Rudolph and Sletten.

Starting with the world-class Green Music Center concert hall designed by famed architect William Rawn, BAR Architects will design the expanded complex. Since the concept and design of the concert hall remains unchanged, Rawn will assist with the expanded vision.

Along with the 1,400-seat concert hall and the more intimate 300-seat recital hall, the Green Music Center will now become an expanded complex with classrooms, practice rooms, faculty offices, and dining and conference facilities.

"We swiftly moved ahead and spent the summer re-envisioning the whole project. I called on SSU friends, donors, supporters and staff to provide input and direction. We also met with industry consultants and experts to help us with the next step. I could not be more delighted with the direction we're taking," said Ruben Armiņana, SSU president.

The quality and experience of BAR Architects is world-class. Their team is led by architect John Lee, who has more than 25 years of experience designing music, performing arts, theater and instructional facilities.

Some of their clients include Sundance Institute, Skywalker Ranch, Apple Computer, Aspen Institute, Stanford University, and many CSU and UC campuses.

"With $16 million in state bond funds from Proposition 55, a $7 million commitment from Sonoma State Enterprises, and the tremendous support from our donor community, this will truly be a public-private partnership.

With an expanded design, and selection of our new architect and Construction firm, we could be ready to start building as soon as next summer, for a projected Fall 2007 opening," said Armiņana.

Rudolph and Sletten was founded more than 40 years ago, and helped build Silicon Valley. Their clients include Copia, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sun Microsystems, Stanford University and Cal Tech, among others.

"Projects of this caliber, both in quality and vision, experience a unique process. I am confident we are on track and look forward to completing the fundraising and final plans to begin construction this next summer.

The community, our supportive donors and friends have been with us every step of the way and we are very grateful," said Donald Green, co-chair of the Green Music Center Capital Campaign.

Susan Kashack, Director of Communications, (707) 664-2122