University Provost and VP (Academic) Alan Harrison (left) tours the site of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts with music professor Gordon Smith, chair of the Centre’s operations and planning committee, and associate dean of Arts and Science. Behind them is one of the walls being preserved from the former Stella Buck Building, which served as a brewery and distillery in the 19th century.

With archeological consultation and site preparation complete, construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin before winter. A webcam will soon be in place to track construction progress.

The Centre, to include an acoustically superior concert hall, studio theatre, screening room and rehearsal space, will integrate existing creative collaborations in arts education at Queen’s and become a cultural hub for the region. It is scheduled to open in Fall 2013. Capital funding is now in place, with support coming from all three levels of government and generous donations from private benefactors, including $22 million from Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader.