Salisbury University

SALISBURY, MD– Salisbury University (SU) officials proposed plans for a $100 million downtown performing arts center at a Wicomico County Council meeting May 7. 

The project depends on a proposed agreement between SU and the Wicomico Public Library which would see the former Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art property leased to the library for $1 annually over 30 years. 

In exchange, SU officials hope to transform the library’s downtown property into an innovative performance space. 

Greater Salisbury Committee President and CEO Mike Dunn calls it a win for the university, the library and the residents of Wicomico County.

“Through this partnership, Salisbury and Wicomico County would gain two major community assets — a state-of-the-art performing arts center and the nicest public library on the Eastern Shore — all at a significantly reduced cost to taxpayers,” Dunn said. 

The Wicomico Public Library’s Paul S. Sarbanes Branch at South Division and West Market Streets is slated for demolition by 2026, pending county approval. 

The space would feature an auditorium with seating for up to 1,000, a music and theatre  performance space with seating for 450, a convertible dance studio, scenic and costume design facilities, dressing rooms, classrooms and rehearsal spaces, according to a press release.

Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts Dean Maarten Pereboom says a larger venue has been long-awaited. 

“While we enjoy inviting the community to our performances on campus, it’s exciting to know that, in just a few years, we may have an even bigger and better venue to showcase the talents of our students, our faculty and our community partners in a facility that would place us on par with our peers throughout the region,” Pereboom said. 

SU says the facility would open in four to five years and would be the second-largest venue in Wicomico County, after the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.  

The project proposal is pending approval by the County Council.