OREM, UT — Education officials, Utah dignitaries and Broadway/television star Jason Alexander were on hand recently for the ribbon-cutting of the new Layton Construction-built Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. But the real star of the show, for at least a day, was the newly completed arts complex.
“To have a successful performing arts program, you need three things: exceptional faculty, talented students and facilities to make that happen,” said Stephen Pullen, Dean of the School of the Arts. “We finally have all the components in place.”
“Layton Construction is proud to play a major role in bringing this project to completion," said David S. Layton, President and CEO of Layton Construction. “We were so pleased today as every speaker mentioned the quality of our workmanship, as well as how much it means to the students, university and community. This new venue will support the expansion of the university in the arts and the individual talents of all who enter.” 
The ribbon-cutting kicked off a week of celebration featuring the arts, as well as the inauguration of President Astrid S. Tuminez who spoke about the vital role arts venues play in society. “The arts make us better people, the arts elevate us,” Tuminez said. She also emphasized “the importance of imagination in a world that is increasingly utilitarian.”
The 130,000-square-foot center features a 501-seat proscenium theater with an orchestra pit for live musical performances and opera, and a 900-seat concert hall. The center also features a choral recital hall, a dance theater, 27 practice spaces, 27 teaching studios, production and recording space, piano and computer labs and conference rooms.
Pullen and other speakers praised Layton’s design partners, as well as Layton for bringing the center to life.
“On behalf of all students, I express our gratitude to Method Studio and Layton Construction for working long hours to create a stunning space,” said Kiersten Zundel, a fine arts major who spoke at the ribbon cutting event. “I know that in this building, students will soar higher than they ever thought they might, and professors will have a better capability to facilitate and inspire beautiful art.”
“At Layton, we understand that our work is not just about the physical facility,” Layton said. “We are constructing places where lifelong skills and memories are made, for individuals, families and entire communities. That's why we are committed to predictable outcomes on every project. Every Layton project will stand as a symbol of quality and first-class work long after the workers have left the jobsite. We strive to deliver craftsmanship by planning, anticipating and ensuring attention to detail.” 
The completion of the Noorda Center also marks a "triple crown" of sorts for Layton Construction. In 2016 the company completed the Eccles Theater, a 2,500-seat Broadway-style venue within the heart of Salt Lake City. And in 2017, Layton finished construction of Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, Utah, a venue featuring two theaters comprising a total of 1,361 seats. Both theaters have exceeded their owners’ expectations, hosting sold-out performances nearly every show.
“Seinfeld” star Alexander recently performed with the Utah Valley University Symphony Orchestra in the new concert hall and attended the luncheon and ribbon cutting. The new concert hall will also serve as Utah Valley's home for the Utah Symphony. The symphony has announced a partnership with UVU, including a six-concert series set for the 2019-20 season.
The new UVU partnership “represents a very significant initiative” for the Utah Symphony, according to Paul Meecham, President and CEO of the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera.
“Situated in the heart of Utah’s fastest growing county, this beautiful new concert hall will become our long-term home in Utah Valley, meeting our goal to serve more Utahns, and encouraging businesses and individuals to support our work in schools and the community,” Meecham said in a press release.