"What's truly exciting is the realization that we've come fullcircle," says Christopher J. Paladino, president of the NewBrunswick Development Corp., who unveiled the plans with Mayor JimCahill. "A generation ago, the renovation of the State Theatre andcreation of our other theaters set the stage for the incredibleeconomic revitalization that New Brunswick has experienced. We nowhave the opportunity to use that success to reinvest in thearts."

The centerpiece tower of what's being called the New BrunswickCulture Center would have theater- and arts-related uses on itslower two floors, including new 499- and 250-seat theaters thatwould replace the George Street Playhouse and Crossroads Theatre,which would be demolished. The 87-year-old State Theatre,originally built for vaudeville and silent films, would berenovated.

The next dozen stories up would be consist of 300,000 sf ofoffice with 25,000-sf floor plates. And the top 20 stories would beset back and contain condos and apartments, bringing the totalbuilding size to approximately 600,000 sf. Onsite parking would beunderground.