For each of the last 17 years, FringeArts has presented the Fringe Festival over the course of three weeks in September. This massive celebration takes Philadelphia by storm with thousands of performances across the city. While the Festival seeks to strengthen its ties in many neighborhoods, the second phase of construction races to put the finishing touches on the organization’s new waterfront venue, nestled conveniently in the neighborhood where the Festival began in 1997.

Each Festival has traditionally been followed by a comedown period, a time to evaluate, reflect, adjust, and prepare for the next September. This year will be much different, as anticipation continues to mount for the unveiling of our new building and the launch of the inaugural season at FringeArts in the fall.

A recent check-in with FringeArts producing director Nick Stuccio indicates that construction remains perfectly on schedule and keys to the new building will be handed over at the close of the Fringe Festival.

“The giant matrix of events that is under way to complete the work on time is impressive,” Stuccio says of the construction efforts.

Considering the shows booked at FringeArts in October, the theater is the highest priority component in that matrix at this point in time. Heavy 12 foot sheets of drywall have been screwed into a 40 foot wall at an efficient and rapid pace. The striking, large windows mentioned in July’s ArtPlace blog post are now fully installed. Bathrooms have been tiled and are ready for sinks and toilets. Our administrative offices and studio are nearing completion as well, with painting and light installation currently in progress.

“The electricians are key to finishing our theater,” says Stuccio, “They have to run over a mile of cable for our audio system alone!”

The outdoor plaza design is in its final stages, and Stuccio seems intent on incorporating design elements from the bar and restaurant plans. Integrating the plaza with the restaurant will support the complementary functions of those two components of the building, creating an outdoor dining area and enhancing the plaza as a social space to connect people with art, food, and each other, and to connect the building to its adjoining neighborhoods.

“We are working with a passionate, savvy operator who knows great food,” says Stuccio, “Those plans will be finalized by October 1st.”

After opening the theater, administrative offices and studio in October, Stuccio aims to break ground on the plaza and restaurant by the end of the year. Tentative plans for an official Grand Opening celebration remain for the middle of 2014.