The Peace Center is a performing arts center located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is composed of a concert hall, theater, and amphitheatre. Located adjacent to Falls Park, the center hosts over 300 events each year, including classical music, Broadway shows, pop stars, and magic shows including David Copperfield.[1]
 Exterior of the venue, c. 2016 | |
 | |
| Full name | Peace Center |
|---|---|
| Former names | Peace Center for the Performing Arts (planning/construction) |
| Address | 300 S Main St Greenville, SC 29601-2606 |
| Location | Downtown Greenville |
| Owner | Privately Owned Non-Profit |
| Type | Performing arts complex |
| Seating type | Continental |
| Capacity | 2,115 (Peace Concert Hall with Orchestra Pit Seated) 1,450 (TD Stage) 439 (Gunter Theatre with Orchestra Pit Seated) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | November 1990 |
| Opened | 10 November 1990 |
| Renovated | 2010 |
| Construction cost | $34 million $23 million (2010 renovations) |
| Architect | Craig, Gaulden, and Davis |
| Structural engineer | Jerit/Boys Incorporated |
| Tenants | |
| Carolina Ballet Theatre Greenville Chorale Greenville County Youth Orchestra Greenville Symphony Orchestra International Ballet | |
| Website | |
| Venue Website | |
About
editUnder consideration since at least the 1970s, a new Greenville performing arts center was being designed and was of utmost importance for then-mayor Bill Workman.[2] The Peace Center is named after the local Peace family who donated $10 million towards its development.[3] The center was opened in 1990 and is built on the former site of three dilapidated factories – one that produced wagons for the Confederate Army, a textile plant built in the 1880s, and a former home of Duke's Mayonnaise. There are three resident companies: Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Carolina Ballet Theatre, and the International Ballet. In January 2004, the Peace Center hosted a debate among Democratic presidential candidates.[4] In May 2011, it was the site of the first Republican debate for the 2012 presidential election.[5] In February 2016, it was the site of the ninth Republican debate for the 2016 presidential election.[6]
The TD Stage at the Peace Center (formerly the Peace Center Amphitheater) opened September 12, 2012, hosting Vince Gill. The night started with Mayor Knox White and TD executives hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony. Seating capacity is projected to be 1,400+. Patrons are able to sit along the tiered seat-walls or use blankets or lawn chairs in the open-seating areas.[7]
The Brian Setzer Orchestra performed at the Peace Center in 2006 for their Christmas Rocks Tour, and also played some of their hits like "Jump, Jive, and Wail".
In 2022, a $36 million renovation project was revealed.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Peace Center". SC Picture Project. 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "The construction and opening of downtown Greenville's Peace Center". The Greenville News. 2015-03-20. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "The Peace Family". Greenville Journal. 2010-12-04. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate in Greenville, South Carolina". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Republican presidential primary debate in Greenville, SC May 6, 2011". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Davis, Corey (2016-02-13). "Loyal supporters of GOP granted tickets to debate in Greenville". WYFF. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Superstar Vince Gill to Open TD Stage at the Peace Center!" (PDF). Peace Center (Press release). 2012-09-06. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-25.
- ^ King, Jay (2022-09-13). "Peace Center unveils $36 million renovation project". Greenville Journal. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
External links
edit- Official website
- Peace Center History – History of this building from before it was built to its current standing.
- Greenville Symphony Orchestra