Story Photos
 The LCC Symphonic Band performs Saturday in the Wollenberg Auditorium at the opening of the Rose Center for the Arts. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News
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LCC raises curtain on Rose Center for the Arts
Sunday, June 29, 2008 1:13 AM PDT
By Erik Olson
Printable version
E-mail this articleRob Buckingham came to the Rose Center for the Arts Saturday to hear the symphony, and he left with the impression that Lower Columbia College's newest building will have a lasting impact outside campus walls.
"I think it has a potential to renew the community involvement in the arts," the Longview paper millworker said.
The college unveiled its new, $26 million center to the public for the first time Saturday afternoon after more than five years of planning, lobbying for funds and construction. The building features the 525-seat Wollenberg Auditorium, the 125-seat Center Stage, rehearsal space, an art gallery, a recording studio and classroom space.
The Saturday unveiling was designed to showcase the best the new digs have to offer, from the moving sounds of the LCC Symphonic Band to the intimacy of a one-act play on a small stage, to the eclectic talents of local painters and photographers in the gallery.
"It's a beautiful building. The music we listened to was beautiful, and the acoustics were amazing," Buckingham said.
At least 600 people were on hand for the opening of the Rose Center, one of two major developments in Longview's arts scene during the past year. The Columbia Theatre in downtown Longview is slated to undergo $12.6 million in renovations at the end of the year, expanding the number of seats and adding restroom facilities and dressing rooms in preparation for a February 2010 reopening.
The new Rose Center will complement the Columbia Theatre, said Jim McLaughlin, president of Lower Columbia Community College. Because it's half the size of the Columbia, the Wollenberg Auditorium will attract different events, he said.
"The most important contrast is that this is predominantly an educational facility," McLaughlin said.
Hildegard and Walter Pistor, a retired couple who live on the Kalama River, said they're glad the Center Stage can serve as a venue for smaller plays, since the Pepper Theatre next to the Columbia Theatre will close because of the renovations.
The Rose Center could have a "synergistic effect" in growing the arts all over the Columbia River region, from Longview to Astoria, Walter Pistor said.
"It added a whole new dimension," he said.
Said his wife, "I would say if parents come here, they might be inspired to get their kids involved in music and the arts."
Krista Bergman-Spector brought her two daughters, ages 4 and 6, to do just that. The auditorium had a great sound, and the center is a boon for Cowlitz County, she said.
"I think it will be a huge benefit for this community," said Bergman-Spector, who lives in Castle Rock.
imlovinit wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:36 AM:
ccd wrote on Jun 29, 2008 10:51 AM:
Louie wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:10 PM:
The musicians received standing ovations and everyone was smiling and excited about this beautiful venue!! Many thanks to those big benefactors who helped make this facility a star in our community. "
Commenter wrote on Jun 29, 2008 7:56 PM:
WsuCoug wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:07 PM:
I agree that the arts are an important part of the community I just don't think it was needed. Especially when the department was doing fine at Lcc and the science department needs a serious upgrade. "
Wally wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:03 PM:
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