Henegar Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henegar Center |
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Henegar Center
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Town or city | 625 East New Haven Avenue Melbourne, Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 28°04′41″N 80°36′37″W / 28.07805°N 80.61025°W |
| Construction started | 1919 |
| Client | Brevard County |
The Henegar Center is a historic building in Melbourne, Florida. It is located at 625 East New Haven Avenue. Built in 1919, it is one of the oldest public buildings in Brevard County.
On March 12, 1963, the building was named after Ruth Henegar. She was a much-loved teacher and principal at the school that used the building. Today, the building is known as The Henegar Center for the Arts.
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The Henegar Center: A Historic Building
The Henegar Center building was designed by W.M. Christen. Construction started in 1919. The building first opened its doors in the fall of 1920.
From School to Arts Center
This building was originally a school. The first high school class graduated in 1921 with only 13 students. At its busiest, the school had 1400 students. In 1963, the school was named the Ruth Henegar Elementary School. This honored former Principal Ruth Henegar.
By 1975, only 331 students were left. The school closed on June 11, 1975, after 55 years.
Saving a Landmark
The Henegar Center building is one of the oldest public buildings in Brevard County. After the school closed, the building was used by the school board. Other county offices also used it.
In 1983, a group of local people formed a non-profit group. They called it the Brevard Regional Arts Group (BRAG). Their goal was to save and restore the old buildings. In 1984, BRAG was given the buildings by the Brevard County School System. They also got a long-term lease for the North Building.
BRAG worked hard to raise money. They collected $2.5 million in cash and services. This money helped them restore the main building.
Main Stage Theater
In 1991, the Henegar Center for the Arts officially opened. It features a large theater called the Main Stage. This theater has 475 seats. It was designed by Peter Feller. The stage curtain even came from the famous Broadway musical The King and I!
The Main Stage has modern sound and lighting. This helps them put on amazing shows. The main building also has a ballroom, a reception room, and a courtyard garden room. There is a dance studio and two meeting spaces too. Local artists often show their artwork in the public areas.
Upstairs at the Henegar
In 2014, a new theater was added. It is called Upstairs at the Henegar. This theater is a "black box" style. This means it is a simple, flexible space. It is located on the second floor and can seat 85 people.
