Topping Out Ceremony at New Community Art Center

A group of twelve people, including men and women, stand together at a construction site. Theres a steel frame structure in the background, with an American flag hanging from it. The sky is clear and blue.

If the West Jordan Community Arts center were a show, the director has been cast. On Wednesday, September 11, we set the final metal beam in place.

Now the building is ready for its “costume” of waterproofing. Next up, we’ll add the exterior “set pieces” and then it’s time to fine-tune the “cast” with interior finishes. If all goes according to plan, expect the grand opening to dazzle in late spring 2025.

Chelsea McGee, Treasurer and 15-year veteran for the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan, is excited. “It’s great to see the progress,” she said. “Our group has a lot of plans for how to use the space.”

Mayor Dirk Burton emphasized the term “community” in the center’s name there by design,, reflecting its purpose. It can be used by anyone (West Jordan residents get a discount on rental fees!). From a “piano recital, birthday party, or wedding. You can use it for so many things in addition to performing arts,” Burton said.

The largest room features retractable, fold-out seating for a “black-box” type theater. Think high school gym but with an upgrade, with 200 cushy seats for performances. When the seats are collapsed into the wall, the space will be wide open to accommodate other types of events.

There are smaller rooms that can also be rented out, for classes or smaller parties.

Council Chair Zach Jacob said, “Hopefully one day we’ll make it bigger and better.” The east side of the building was left bare of important infrastructure or utilities to allow for easy expansion in the future.

Last but not least, a standing ovation goes to the staff and civic leaders who made construction possible with no extra debt to the City.

aerial view of West Jordan neighborhood