For the first time in 39 years, the dressing rooms at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center are being completely remodeled. The construction work began this week. The three levels of dressing rooms will receive several upgrades, including bath partitions, bathroom fixtures, painting, light fixtures, flooring, dressing tables and seating areas. The dressing rooms are utilized frequently by Music Theatre of Wichita, Wichita Symphony and Wichita Grand Opera during their annual seasons.

"We are excited the Century II dressing rooms will be updated," Wichita Symphony Operations Manager Anne Marie Brown said. "It will be very beneficial to the Wichita Symphony musicians and guest artists in the coming seasons."

In addition to the local arts organizations, entertainers like Bill Cosby, Jim Brickman and Sheryl Crow have utilized these dressing rooms during their performances at Century II.

"Future performers will definitely appreciate and benefit from these changes," said Century II Sales & Communications Manager Jacob House. "The changes are just incredible."

Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey is the architectural firm for the project with SBA General Contractors (formerly Shrader Brothers & Associates) completing the remodeling work. Funding for the project was approved nearly 3 years ago along with the Expo Hall Promenade Level remodel.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed in three phases allowing Century II arts organizations and clients to have access to a portion of the dressing room areas at any given time. Completion is scheduled for January 2009.

Century II staff is currently working out the details for future projects, including the replacement of the Convention Hall balcony seats, enhancements for the stages and décor in the Concert Hall and Mary Jane Teall Theater and the addition of wireless internet service and security upgrades throughout the entire facility. Details for the above projects will be released in the near future.