Justin Dionne, Greg Wessling, Bill and Ericka Cain and Kathryn M. Keele
May 14. The Cain Center for the Arts took a giant step forward this morning with the official groundbreaking in downtown Cornelius.
The $25 million regional arts center, which is expected to be completed in December of 2022, is named for Cornelius residents Ericka and Bill Cain, who contributed $5 million to the project which will include a 400-seat theater, gallery and event spaces, classrooms and an outdoor plaza.
Mayor Woody Washam addresses the crowd
Dozens of local and regional dignitaries attended today’s groundbreaking including legislators, county commissioners and two mayors: Rusty Knox from Davidson and Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam, one of the primary drivers of a monumental undertaking that began with a $4 million bond referendum in 2013.
A variety of local donors—corporate and individuals—were present as well.
When the total of a little more than $19.5 million in contributions was announced during a champagne toast, Cornelius resident Kathryn M. Keele announced an additional gift of $500,000 to push the total over $20 million.
It was a historic day for all of Cornelius.
Photos by Jason Benavides, Cornelius Today Creative Director
