We need something magnificant. The city agreed that a better building was needed and began looking for another site. The dream to build a Johnny Costa Center for the Performing Arts took a big step forward when Arnold councilman John Mandak announced acquisition of a three story building that will house the Center. It is probably the biggest building in the city. In the past the building at 1701 Fifth Avenue has housed a used car lot, Jacob's Ice Cream and Soda Fountain, and Como's Music Store, as well as a variety store and a hobby shop.
Early plans call for the first floor to be a performing arts theater with a stage.
This area could double as a community center. The second floor will be a museum, featuring Costa and other artists who have contributed to the area's rich musical heritage. Students, teachers, organizers, councilmen, and interested residents remain committed to restoring the historic structure which has a castle like spire, a downtown location, and 15000 square feet of space. To raise the money, organizers are planning to solicit arts foundations from accross the country. Two new non-profit organizations will begin soliciting grants from government and private foundations when the architects complete conceptial drawings of the center.