Main Street School of Performing Arts Launches Relocation and Capital Campaign
with Celebratory “Wall Breaking Ceremony”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carol Schuler | Schuler Publicity
612-281-7030| carol@cschuler.com
Hopkins, MN: (September 19, 2016) – Main Street School of Arts (MSSPA) is kicking off plans to relocate and its $2.5 million capital campaign with a Wall Breaking Ceremony at the school’s new site in Eden Prairie on October 6. The 2017-2018 school year will find MSSPA students, faculty and staff at 7255 Flying Cloud Drive. The former site of Eagle Ridge Academy, the 77,500-square-foot building, offers MSSPA room to expand its enrollment, programming, and performance schedule while also providing a much-needed artistic center for the metro area southwestern suburbs. In coming months, the facility will be remodeled to better suit the school’s needs. The Wall Breaking Ceremony marks the start of construction with work expected to take approximately 10-12 months.
“We are elated,” said Robert Thompson, MSSPA Director of Outreach and Development. “Although we’re moving just four miles from our current location, it will mean a world of difference for our students. The expanded studio spaces and classrooms, and state-of-the-art technology will allow us to broaden our curriculum and enrollment.”
Additionally, the school is turning the existing gymnasium into a multi-purpose performance space that will be open to community use. MSSPA is known for having the most robust performance calendar of any Minnesota performing arts high school, with nearly 70 unique performances annually, according to Thompson. “The new multi-purpose performance space will serve not only our students but will be a valued asset to the southwest metro. More than a school, we’re developing a dynamic artistic hub and an exciting environment for new collaborations and opportunities,” Thompson added.
The $2.5 million capital campaign will provide funds to convert the gymnasium and make other enhancements not covered by the $8 million the affiliated building company successfully secured earlier this spring to purchase the building and begin the renovation. The Wall Breaking Ceremony, which marks the beginning of the campaign, will bring together education and civic leaders, funders, MSSPA family, faculty, students, staff and alumni in celebration of the school’s relocation and fundraising campaign. The public is invited to join in the festivities.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, October 6
Time 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 7255 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
About MSSPA
Founded in 2003, MSSPA offers a tuition-free, exceptional academic and arts-focused curriculum for high school for students from across the Twin Cities metro area. With consistently high enrollment, above average testing results, guest artist instructors, small class sizes, and offering the most student performances of any Twin Cities performing arts school, MSSPA has gained a strong following and achieved a reputation as a leader in arts and education. The University of St. Thomas is MSSPA’s charter school authorizer. Enrollment is underway for the 2017-2018 school year. More information about MSSPA and relocation plans can be found at msspahs.org
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