A computer-generated rendition of what Nashua's newly-named Nashua Center for the Arts will look like when construction is completed.

NASHUA — Referred to since its inception as the Nashua Performing Arts Center, the venue under construction at Main and West Pearl streets has officially become the Nashua Center for the Arts, according to last night’s announcement.

Richard Lannan, president of Nashua Community Arts, said in making the announcement that the name was chosen by “a local family that gave an anonymous $1 million gift” to the project, a donation that came with the naming rights for the new center.

Longtime downtown businessman Philip Scontsas, a member of the Nashua Community Arts board, said the donors selected the name because “the center will be home to much more than theatrical and musical performances … it will also be hosting films, a variety of attractions like celebrity chefs and reality TV stars, recitals, and competitions,” Scontsas added.

He also said the donors “are looking forward to art exhibitions in the gallery and are pleased that the operator, Spectacle Live, is willing to work with community and school partners for access to the Center for the Arts.

“The donors think it is important to have Nashua in the name – it will give Nashua attention as a destination for the arts,” Scontsas continued.

“They also think it is important that both Spectacle Live and Nashua Community Arts will work together to make the center serve as a resource and gathering place for the community, and to make the arts and cultural activities accessible to the community at large. “They feel it will improve the quality of life for residents, enhance growth and stability of arts and culture in the city and will provide strong economic benefits for the entire Nashua area,” Scontsas added.

As for the building itself, construction is continuing with the installation of the precast concrete floor sections for the parterres and balconies in the theater. In the back of house — the existing red brick building — Harvey Construction is wrapping up framing and working on installation of the mechanicals, plumbing and electrical.

“Currently, we are still on budget and schedule, with the projected opening in the fall of 2022,” Lannan said.

Ongoing at this time is the center’s “name-a-seat” campaign. More information can be found at www.nashuacommunityarts.org/seats.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.