40 years of RMTC, Parkside campus

Red Mountain Theatre Company announced recently it will build a new $25-million arts campus adjacent to Regions Field in the bustling Parkside District.

The Tony Award-winning RMTC — currently celebrating its 40th anniversary — has long wanted to consolidate its programming in such a facility, according to Keith Cromwell, the company’s executive director.

“We envision an arts campus where artists can create, students can develop life — and theater — skills, and where for profit and nonprofit can drive economic growth together,” Cromwell said.

The company closed on the property, located at 1600 Third Ave. S., on May 15. Construction should start this summer and be finished by summer 2021.

The campus will include a 400-seat theatre, as well as offices, classrooms and rehearsal spaces.

The RMTC, which currently has offices on Highland Avenue and performs downtown, is scrapping plans announced in 2018 to put the new campus in a renovated commercial structure in Lakeview.

The Parkside location is perfect, according to RMTC Board President Kathryn Harbert. “RMTC is right at the heart of our city,” and the new facility will further the company’s “mission of enriching, educating and engaging our community,” she said.

LIVE Design Group will serve as architects and Brasfield & Gorrie as the general contractor. Harbert Realty Services will manage the project.