The National Arts Centre (NAC) officially broke ground for major renovations Tuesday.
The restoration’s aim is to transform the entrance into a new shiny glass façade that will open out to Elgin St. and provide a view of Confederation Square.
The renovations will also enhance the patron’s experience with a new café, expanded event spaces and a new lobby space.
The project is expected to cost $110-million.
“I really believe that by shifting the entrance to Elgin, it will animate and energize this whole part of the downtown area,” NAC president and CEO Peter Herrndorf said in an interview. “I’ve seen it happen in other cities, and I think it will happen here.”
The NAC was originally a centennial project when it opened its doors in 1969. If construction goes as planned, the renovations are expected to be ready in time for Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1, 2017.
More information about the renovations can be found here: http://nac-cna.ca/en/media/newsrelease/12934