It is time for wild speculation and complaints about the performing arts center (PAC) project to be addressed.

First, the Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts (FWCPA) has been promoting this project for 20 years, not just the two years that have been reported. The PAC has long been in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Meanwhile, many of our groups perform in inadequate facilities, such as churches or schools. In churches, chairs set up for a concert have to be taken down and set up again for each performance so the facility can function as a church on Sundays. Some concerts were held in school gyms, where sound is terrible and we had to build a stage. Unlike every other school district around (and every other school district our size in the state), no school in Federal Way has a large performance hall.

This project is now referred to as a performing arts, culture and conference center — a facility that would accommodate a wide range of activities. As described, there is nothing similar in the South Sound. It would be beneficial to the various groups or organizations that now must leave town for fundraisers, auctions, large dinners or receptions. While the performance hall would seat 700, the large lobby could seat 600 for a conference or 400 for a sit-down dinner. Trade shows! An art gallery! Imagine all the uses possible!

The city council has directed city staff to investigate potential sites in downtown Federal Way. So, no, the Truman site has not been selected, as some have erroneously claimed.

The funding the city was requesting from the state could only be used for capital projects, and could not benefit any school programs or human services needs. It is in a separate “pot” of money. Obviously, we wouldn’t receive any if we didn’t request it. Wouldn’t it make sense for our tax dollars to stay in Federal Way instead of going to Seattle or Bellevue?

The FWCPA is still in the state budget for $325,000 through the Building for the Arts program. That funding could be used for pre-construction costs, such as toward an architect. We are a 501 (c) 3 designated non-profit organization.

Those complaining that this is a bad time to be starting this don’t realize how long it takes for preparation, or the many economic benefits a PAC will create. After site selection (perhaps a few months for that), architectural and engineering firms must be chosen, then the long process of design takes place. It would take over a year. Meanwhile, if the site has any buildings on it, they must be demolished or moved, another process that doesn’t happen overnight.

Remember that those phases will employ hundreds of people, and the facility itself will employ many.

Once a site is selected, a fundraising campaign can begin. A grass-roots group has been meeting regularly for over two years, and is ready to jump in once that decision is made. Several are experienced grant writers or knowledgeable on fundraising activities. Most will be donors. The FWCPA primarily has funded The Collins Group campaign feasibility study, which is now in a “pause” mode. We will regroup once a site is established and at least some design has been created.

In conversations with both a major building contractor and an architectural firm, we know the cost of this facility could be at least 15 percent less than original projected costs if we could begin soon. We could also get federal financial support for the fact we are creating many new jobs.

For those who think the PAC would never be used, or used little, I have already had contacts from two major performing groups interested in possibly bringing their seasons to our facility when it’s built. Add that to the nine performance groups in Federal Way. Some of our members fill the 1,200-seat Auburn Performing Arts Center for their concerts now. They would love to be able to keep their shows at home. We also hope for a partnership with the Federal Way School District, with perhaps a school of the performing arts scheduled during daytime hours, with pathways for students toward careers in performance and technical stage skills. We could even attract touring performers.

So for fundraising, yes, naming rights are always a top item. There could be rights for the whole facility, for the lobby, rehearsal hall and the performance hall itself. Normally, a contract is for several years. Sometimes that includes certain amounts to be paid annually. There could also be fundraising elements that include names on seats, entrance pavers or recognition walls, for instance. They would have a range of costs so many can participate and see their names somewhere in the facility. Check out the Knutzen Family Theatre. We sold everything we could think of there, as part of our fundraising campaign.

Support for operating the facility can come from a number of sources, including a foundation, and several local arts funding organizations, such as 4Culture and ArtsFund. Figures put forward in the city’s proposed budget do not include any of those.

After 20 years, we’re finally beginning to see progress. We know it will improve Federal Way immeasurably. At last we will have a positive identity, and be a destination for many. It could be a very exciting year!

Joann Piquette, president, Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts: (253) 839-4389 or Jodawg@Juno.com.