Business & Tech

Gwinnett Ballet Eyeing New Space

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre officials sent an email alerting its members that it would be leaving its Snellville location. However, officials said it's not final yet.

, an integral part of Snellville's growing art base, is looking at leaving its current space at Fountain Square for a new location in Lawrenceville. 

According to an email sent to parents, the expected new spot is 1800 Macleod Avenue in Lawrenceville. The area is home to an industrial park, and it is about three miles from the in Duluth where the ballet company performs

In the email, theater officials said the location "offers us the ability to develop a large, state-of-the-art complex for dance education and community service. It will allow us access to many more students and is only a few miles from our home theatre at Gwinnett Center.

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"This decision to move has been made only after much research and very careful consideration," the email read.

"Next fall" is indicated as the targeted move date.

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Reach Sunday afternoon and again Monday afternoon, Holly Calmes, the marketing director for the theater, emphasized that the deal is not finalized, and that the email was sent to parents as a preparation only.

Calmes said Gwinnett Ballet Theatre (GBT) had been looking for a new space for a while, and they are hoping a deal is final this week.

"This is where we would like to go," she said, in a phone interview, about the Macleod Avenue site.

In a more detailed statement sent via email Monday, Calmes said:

"Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has been searching for a new studio location for the past year, looking for a location with the right balance of potential students, accessibility, and affordable space in which to continue its mission to benefit our upcoming generation of young artists.

"Under the directorship of a search committee from the GBT Board, a number of different locations were found. Several were in Snellville. One was in Lawrenceville. The Lawrenceville location was found to meet the most needs, and this location was pursued.

"As of June 12, 2012, GBT has been in negotiations regarding contracts and design with the Lawrenceville location’s property owners. GBT parents were notified of the probable move in an effort to alert them to such an event."

Despite the email to parents, Calmes also wrote that GBT was not "prepared to make a press statement about where or even if it will move."

"Any move would not be more than 10 miles from its present site, in which case GBT’s family of parents and students would not be unduly inconvenienced, although pleasing everyone is never possible," she continued. "However, the GBT Board of Directors is trying to research, negotiate and develop plans in a responsible manner for the greater good of our students."

For Snellville leaders hearing of a possible move from the city, disappointment was clear. Some wondered if there were something that could be done to retain the nonprofit arts beacon.

"I think it would definitely hurt," said Barbara Bender, an officer with the Snellville Commerce Club. "No. 1, it's part of the arts community; they've been here a long time, and it does leave another vacant space for us."

Bender said these kinds of movements are unwelcome but not surprising -- given that the city is still growing support mechanisms for arts and other business types in general.

"That's what happens when you get a late start on things," she said.


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