Office ofDevelopment

Phase II of Karen Hille Phillips Center Restoration has begun

The Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is being fully restored thanks to a $10 million bequest from the university's most generous benefactress, Karen Hille Phillips, in addition to gifts from many other donors. Renovations for the building began in summer 2010 and half of them have already been completed. Click here to see a project overview for the Karen Hille Phillips Center Renovation.

Help make the spotlight shine on the arts at PLU by finding a seat and making it your own in perpetuity.

Please contact Allison Roberts at 253-535-7418 or aroberts@plu.edu for more information.

What has been done so far:

  • Rose window rebuilt, cleaned and reinstalled
  • Exterior completely updated (cleaned bricks, new copper roof)
  • New Studio Theater
  • New Scene Shop

Both the Studio Theater and the Scene Shop are currently in use. The Scene Shop is now located on the main floor, which allows for safer and faster set design.

Support the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Groundbreaking for Phase II took place on May 5, and construction will be completed in 2013. 

During construction, students will get to fully enjoy the work that has already been completed. To see images from the groundbreaking, please visit our gallery. Click here to see drawings for Phase II.
To be added in Phase II:
  • 630 new seats, all with better views of the stage
  • Ness Family Chapel restoration (formerly Tower Chapel)
  • Elevator access to all floors
  • Art gallery in the main lobby
  • Second floor lobby and staircase to be used for the Chapel and Auditorium
  • New chapel benches from campus fir trees
  • Swipe card entrance
  • Fir veneer in auditorium (from campus trees)

Naming opportunities are still available for the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Your support is needed to make this a reality. Make your gift online. To find out more contact us at the Office of Development.

Karen Hille Phillips Construction Pictures