Ground broken for Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart

      A host of local and state dignitaries traveled to Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) at Stuttgart June 12 for the official groundbreaking for the Grand Prairie Center in anticipation of what this multi-million dollar facility will bring to the region.

      Gov. Mike Beebe joined Sen. Bobby Glover, Representative Tiffany Rogers, University of Arkansas System President Dr. Alan Sugg, Arkansas Higher Education Board member David Leech, PCCUA Chancellor Dr. Steven Murray and other PCCUA administrators and supporters in announcing plans for this multi-functional structure.

      Braving hot temperatures near 90 degrees, together they assisted in breaking ground for what will be known throughout the region as the Grand Prairie Center and will be used to provide educational programs, cultural presentations, and space for business conferences.

      Designed by Steelman Connell Moseley Architects, PA of Little Rock, this 63,000-square-foot complex will house an auditorium and proscenium stage capable of handling major theatrical productions, open multi-purpose spaces for corporate dinner meetings and conferences, as well as classroom and office space. 

      Construction, which will be directed by Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, is expected to begin in late summer and will take about 18 months to complete.