After 20 years Dr. Jim Sears said it was the right time to step away from Center in the Square. Sears did so at the end of the year, shortly after the 30 million dollar renovation at Roanoke’s downtown cultural center was completed. The former teacher and community college administrator, drawn to Center two decades ago by its educational focus, will remain on board for six months or so in an advisory capacity.
“It’s a great time to step aside, so that other people can bring in their ideas,” said Sears. “I’ll stay around for about six months and care for the facility, [and] ensure that our contractual obligations are satisfied.” Sears joked that like a lot of other people who retire at an advanced age (68) he’ll be a consultant for a while.
Sears said he is most proud of the continued focus on education at Center in the Square, which houses the Science Museum, the History Museum of Western Virginia and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. Education and “improving the quality of life through aspects of our organization,” are other highlights for Sears.
Even before he arrived, Center in the Square had helped start the transformation of downtown Roanoke from a place many people did not want to venture to. “Since Center in the Square opened about 350 businesses [were created] in the downtown area,” Sears notes. Those on hand in the 60’s and early 70’s “saw a downtown dramatically different than it is today,” said Sears. “You can go out at three in the morning and feel safe. I think it helped save the City of Roanoke.”
Now leaders from other cities show up at Center in the Square to praise what is going on in downtown Roanoke – and the newly remodeled Center in the Square lies at the heart of it all. “We helped create that environment.”
Stepping in as president and general manager is Barry Henderson, a former SunTrust regional bank president. Henderson, also the new chairman of the board at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce for 2014, is no stranger to Center. Henderson was involved with the major gifts capital campaign that helped raise money for the renovations. Most of the costs incurred were reimbursed as historic tax credits.
“I’m looking forward to being here – it’s a great opportunity,” said Henderson. “Jim has done an outstanding job. The legacy he’s left here at Center is phenomenal.” Henderson said he would continue to focus on education, economic development and “growing this region,” especially as it relates to Center in the Square, home to the handful of museums and Mill Mountain Theatre.
Sears said Henderson helped raise more than 11 million dollars “in a bad economy. Going forward his skill in the finance area…will be very valuable to Center. Moving forward financial support is one of the things we certainly need – and we’ll need for a long time. Barry has all those skills.”
Henderson said that Center in the Square “was clearly a catalyst” for downtown’s rebirth when it was first proposed more than 30 years ago. The renovation project he helped raise money for was “the rebirth of a real cultural gem,” noted Henderson, who will look for new donors going forward. “It’s just an opportunity for me to be part of such a great organization,” said Henderson, who is assessing “all of our options” regarding a proposed rooftop restaurant. Right now a full kitchen is being equipped and caterers can rent the facility for “all types of events.”
By Gene Marrano