Peace Center reveals Wyche Pavilion plan revisions
Vibrant new (old) space for music, entertainment
Artist rendering of the renovated Wyche Pavilion.
The Peace Center is announcing revisions to its plans for restoration of the Wyche Pavilion and will return to the City of Greenville’s Design Review Board on July 9.
The July 9 meeting follows a public hearing in February, where the Design Review Board provided feedback on the proposed project. Based on those recommendations and further meetings with members of the city and Design Review Board, the design was updated to make the expansion more subordinate to the existing Wyche Pavilion, while preserving the elements required to transform the Wyche into a fully functioning music and entertainment venue.
The design by Summerour and Associates retains, preserves and emphasizes the 3,578 square foot iconic shell of the Wyche Pavilion. The addition of custom-made windows and doors, wood floors and ceilings, fans, architectural lighting and HVAC will allow for year-round use. The Wyche will be outfitted as a fully functioning performance venue, featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. The open floor plan allows for a variety of performance configurations, from cabaret to concert-style seating, to standing room only club space.
The full footprint of the original building (circa 1835) which is much larger than the existing Wyche Pavilion will be utilized for an addition to house the infrastructure required to support the venue. This new structure includes a grand glass entryway, a Green Room for artists, restrooms, storage and equipment rooms, and a catering kitchen.
Special features of this project include a large outdoor deck connecting to a walkway which cantilevers from the Wyche along the river, and a large gathering space facing Main Street, all of which may be enjoyed by the public on a regular basis. The landscaping, by Earth Design, will feature lush, environmentally friendly plantings carefully chosen to evolve with each season.
Peace Center Board Chairman and CEO of United Community Bank Lynn Harton said “As the Peace Center’s vision has evolved, activity on the campus has expanded as well. In addition to the wonderful Broadway shows and concerts showcased in the Peace Concert Hall, there is continuous activity throughout the campus. The Peace Center hosts songwriters, local performing artists, summer camps, a poetry program for students and adults, music education salons, film, student jazz performances and much more. The board of the Peace Center is excited to see the iconic Wyche Pavilion restored and expanded to become another outstanding performance venue that will benefit the entire community.”
The Wyche restoration is the first phase of the Peace Center’s larger master plan, which includes renovation of the Roe Coach Factory and two buildings located on Main Street: the Markley and the Gullick.
About the Peace Center
The Peace Center is a nationally recognized artistic and cultural destination located in Greenville. Situated along the Reedy River in the heart of downtown, its multifaceted, six-acre campus is the region’s center for art, culture, entertainment and engagement. From programs featuring world-class artists in music, theater, and dance to intimate musical performances, to enriching educational experiences and everyday encounters with the arts, the Peace Center hosts hundreds of events every year and welcomes thousands of guests to its riverfront campus every day.