A major performance venue in mid-state South Carolina is one step closer to its grand opening following a "topping off" ceremony that was held March 29 to commemorate the milestone.

The Lexington School District Two's Performing Arts Center at 3211 Platt Springs Road in Springdale is slated for an early 2024 opening. Current and former members of the school board as well as members of the local and school district community were on-hand for the event with participants given the opportunity to sign the final structural beam before it was lifted into place, according to Columbia TV station WLTX.

The new venue, when completed later this year, is expected to hold 1,550 audience members, and have a two-level balcony. Described as a "state-of-the-art" center by the school district, it also will feature upgraded stage lighting and sound systems along with the inclusion of dressing rooms, set storage, and backstage areas to ensure that it is outfitted for a range of opportunities in dance, music, theater and more.

While the performing arts center will prioritize use by students, schools and employees, it also will present opportunities for other conferences and competitions, in addition to community and cultural events.

The Performing Arts Center is the final project from a voter-approved $225 million bond referendum in 2014.

The primary mission for the center is its use by district students, schools and employees, with additional opportunities for use in professional development and planning, statewide conferences, conventions and student competitions, as well as community and cultural events, as space is available, according to the school district.

"This facility will offer endless opportunities for our students and at the same time, it will be a great way to bring this close community even closer together," said Christina Rucker, a Lexington School District Two board member. "There is something special about Lexington Two, and I do not doubt that there will be something special about this performing arts center. This new center will be beautiful, as will the performances that will take place here soon."

Plans call for the district office to move into the center, a measure that will allow the space to be continuously occupied. The estimated cost for the project is $52 million.

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