The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is scheduled to finally break ground in Cleveland in late summer or early fall. Its opening is set for 1994. Originally budgeted at $15 million in 1985, the ultramodern facility, designed by architect I.M. Pei, will have a final cost estimated at between $65 million and $75 million. So far, $44 million has been raised for construction, with $30 million coming from the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio and Cuyahoga County, and the rest from private and corporate contributions.
The facility`s director, Larry Thompson, says the relocation of utility lines at the site, the final step before construction begins, is under way.
Despite criticism from many quarters, including some members of the Hall of Fame`s foundation board, Thompson says initial cost and construction time estimates were unrealistic.
”At this point things are moving along very rapidly,” he said.
I.M. Pei`s design is that of a glass tent connected to a soaring, 18-story tower. Inside will be 60,000 square feet of exhibit space, as well as theaters, recording studios and radio-broadcasting facilities. Insiders say the hall will have to attract 700,000 visitors a year to pay for its construction costs.
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