The author presents the many community forces and personalities encountered ... (business and media people, educators, public officials), the search for a definable philosophy for the enterprise, the identity and nature of the program that must be housed in the new facility, the physical spaces needed to accommodate the program, and the personnel, equipment and money necessary to make it all happen.

The book [includes] the process of planning the Civic Center of Onondaga County in Syracuse, New York, and many other facilities around the country. It portrays the planning process with thoroughness and enthusiasm. Although relating primarily to a performing arts center, [the author's] ideas and strategies can be applied to the planning of schools, libraries and museums - to any facility, in fact, that requires public understanding, approval and support. [The book] will appeal to ... all who want to effect change through the dynamics of community action. (Book jacket).

CONTENTS
Foreword.
A look backward.
Introduction.

1. In the beginning.
2. There was a study.
3. That bred a program.
4. That cried for space.
5. That will have to be managed.
6. And that will cost a lot of money.
7. In the beginning (again).

Afterword.
Resources:
     Bibliography.
     Sample forms and questionnaires.
Index.

The author presents the many community forces and personalities encountered ... (business and media people, educators, public officials), the search for a definable philosophy for the enterprise, the identity and nature of the program that must be housed in the new facility, the physical spaces needed to accommodate the program, and the personnel, equipment and money necessary to make it all happen.