Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency has won conditional approval to construct a new theater, arts center and cafe.
Last week's decision by the Greensboro Development Review Board was unanimous. The Mirror Theatre, as it will be named, will be built on 10 acres where the Hazendale Farmstand is currently located.
The board's approval is subject to the following conditions:
- All the Hazendale Farmstand buildings will be removed on the GAAR site.
- All necessary state and federal permits must be in place before the construction of the facility. In addition, all state and federal requirements, such as ADA accessibility requirements, must be met.
- The performing arts complex and cafe will not provide housing on site nor serve as a wedding venue.
- The proposed cafe will not exceed 50 seats on the interior.
- Performances and events conducted on the site will not utilize amplified sound outside of the structure.
- Evergreens will be planted along the existing line of deciduous trees, and to fill in the area that has no tree line, to provide sight and sound protection for neighboring landowners. An evergreen privacy hedge will be installed on the boundary line between the GAAR parcel and the Niemi parcel.
- The parking design (and the round-about) must be acceptable to the Greensboro Fire Chief for the purpose of fighting fires. In addition, the water volume must be sufficient for fire protection.
- The total water demand of the site should not create undue adverse effect on the town water supply or specifically the local fire department's water demand to maintain its intended purpose.
- Every effort will be made to incorporate natural exterior materials and a design to allow the structure to blend into the Rural Lands District.
- The building will be no higher than 35 feet.
- The area of any sign will be 6 square feet or less.
The Greensboro Arts Alliance and residency began making plans to build a new structure when previous plans to renovate the Greensboro Town Hall fell through. The project is being funded by a previously anonymous backer, who came forward only to dispel rumors that the nonprofit GAAR might not have the money to operate the facility. Last week philanthropist and part-time Greensboro resident Andrew C. Brown said he would not only pay for the project, but also provide "funding to cover any gap between the revenues and operating expenses of the new facility."
