Costs go up at SSU's Green Music Center

Construction costs for the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University have climbed 10 percent in the past year, now reaching $110 million.

“This project is not in jeopardy and has never been in jeopardy,” said Susan Kashack, an SSU associate vice president.

“We have had to find more and more creative ways to work with donors in the community to support the growing costs. Construction costs have gone up so much in the last five years, not just this project but all projects in California.”

So far, $53.2 million has been raised from 1,400 donors, enough money to finish construction. SSU still needs to raise $21 million for such things as the concert hall chairs, restrooms, and to finish the performers rooms.

As part of the fund-raising, SSU is selling naming rights to the buildings, lobbies, courtyards and individual rooms.

Telecom pioneer Don Green jump started the prokect with $10 million in donation — and the center bears his name. Jean Schulz, widow of the late Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, paid $4 million to name the recital hall Schroeder’s Recital Hall, after a Beethoven-loving pianist in the popular cartoon strip.

The concert hall lobby is named for former Press Democrat owners Evert and Norma Person, which cost $3 million, and the Trione Foundation paid $1 million to name the courtyard.

The education building naming rights are still available, at a cost of $5 million.

Green said he has raised an additional $3 million from the high-tech community toward the $7 million naming rights to the concert hall. Raising another $2 million would qualify for a $2 million match promised by an anonymous donor.

Green doesn’t believe some venues should have a commercial name, singling out Candlestick Park, home to the 49ers, as an example. It is just now returning to its original name after being named for an Internet job site and for a Silicon Valley technology company.

“I’d like to see a dignified, constructive name on the hall,” Green said. His suggestion is Innovation Hall.

Construction is about 50 percent complete on the music center’s three major buildings. The education building is scheduled to open this fall for classes.

The concert hall, restaurant hall and hospitality center and recital hall are scheduled to open in 2010, said Floyd Ross, the center executive director.