Scheduled to be completed in January 2009, Tyler’s new $75 million, 234,000-square-foot facility at 12th and Norris streets is designed by award-winning architect Carlos Jimenez, who flew up from Houston for the ceremony.

The facility’s future location, adjacent to the Boyer College of Music and Dance’s Presser Hall and the School of Communications and Theater, will create an arts enclave at Temple’s Main Campus and a northern outpost for the Avenue of the Arts.

The shovels used at the ceremony were modified into the shape of hands and decorated by Tyler students.