Regardless of how people feel about the Performing Arts and Event Center, the facility is set to open.
If you happen to drive by the planned facility on Pete von Reichbauer Way, you’ll see the towering structure that city leaders hope will enrich the culture of Federal Way. City officials have announced the ribbon cutting for the 716-seat center will take place Aug. 19.
Basically, it’s a done deal.
Now is the time for Federal Way residents to refine their focus about the facility. Rather than look at it from the standpoint of whether the PAEC is a good idea, a good use of public time and energy, or a colossal mistake, now is the time to take a more pragmatic approach.
What will make this facility successful? And what can we, as residents, do to help it succeed?
The easiest solution is to look at the PAEC as an opportunity. Right or wrong, the PAEC will give Federal Way a nice facility to host large-scale theatrical or musical productions and conventions — a place the city currently does not have, at least not in a singular location.
While the complete schedule of events has not been released yet, the Tacoma City Ballet has announced a plan to move its largest annual production, “The Nutcracker,” to the PAEC, starting this year if the facility is complete. That is now becoming a certainty.
As well, the ballet company plans to bring its spring and fall performances of “Cinderella” and “Dracula,” respectively, to Federal Way in 2018 while the ballet’s regular venue is renovated.
Quality productions like these will benefit the PAEC by filling seats and bringing in revenue.
People in Federal Way who traveled to Tacoma to watch the regular Christmas favorite, for example, will now be able to stay in town. Further, people will be coming to Federal Way from Tacoma and neighboring cities to watch these shows. Many visitors will undoubtedly want to make a day or night of it, stopping at local restaurants for a meal before or after the performances. That is not even factoring in the people who are in those productions — they’ll no doubt visit local establishments while rehearsing.
And if word gets around that Federal Way has a top-notch, spacious facility, that may ensure a steady flow of productions, conferences and more, making the PAEC both financially sustainable and busy well into the future.
A successful PAEC could boost surrounding commercial development in a blighted area of Federal Way — what officials refer to as the downtown core. A successful and attractive venue may lead to the opening of establishments such as higher-end restaurants and more retail businesses.
The possibilities are endless if we give the PAEC a chance.
That’s not to say people should stop asking questions about the facility, its operations or governance. Until or unless the PAEC is financially self sustaining, taxpayer dollars will support it. And responsible city officials need to ensure that residents know their money is being used wisely and to good end by providing regular budget reports, including staff and maintenance operational costs. The city must also be able to provide solid, clear explanations and rationale as to why money is being spent the way it is. A long-term strategic plan will also go a long way in reassuring Federal Way residents that this was not some expensive experiment.
As things stand now, the city is set to have a brand-new facility in Federal Way. Let’s do our part in helping it start off on the right foot by giving it a chance to succeed.
