On December 5th, 2022, Iris Papin explored the historic Harris Fine Arts Center, which was being torn down so a new arts building could be built. 

        At the beginning of 2023, the building would be razed to the ground. The Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center was almost sixty years old and carried countless history within its walls. The five floors of this monumental building contained concert halls, theatres, practice rooms, and is in the memories of thousands of students. The building was officially demolished in February 2023, and the new building is supposed to open in 2025.

        As Papin walked the lonely halls of the building, which was already in the process of being dismantled, she saw countless places where history was made including a wall behind one of the theatres covered with the lipstick of the leading actresses in the performances there.

        “It was super fun,” Papin said of her adventure there. (Further comments could not be obtained because she is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.) 

        Students at BYU were asked about their opinions on the historical building being torn down, and there were mixed opinions, but not on construction! 

        “I do think it’s a shame to tear down all that history because that was one of the most historical buildings. I think it would have been better if they had made a new one, but kept the old one,” Sara Rosevear explained.

        “The students who are here suffering through all the construction won’t even see the new building. It’s kind of useless because it will take such a long time to build. The construction is very annoying with the loud booming noises that are positively deafening.” Rosevear concluded. 

        Other students thought that the new building would enhance campus, but they agree that the construction is a nuisance. 

        “Replacing the HFAC was a good idea because the new music building has a lot of newer and better-quality spaces for creating music,” Eliza Freestone stated. “The construction is sometimes annoying when it blocks my path or is loud, but I think the new things they are building is worth it,” she finished.

        It was the “same... [as] when they made the cafe in the library. It was annoying when they were building it, but I’m glad they did because it was a great addition to the library that I love” Olivia Hymas stated. 

        She went on to explain that she likes how they are separating the arts building so dance, music, and traditional art can all have their own buildings. Maybe this will allow the programs to expand even more. 

        “The HFAC was really confusing to find your way in,” Hymas added. The HFAC could be described as a labyrinth of tiny practice rooms squished between classrooms, and performance spaces.

        Hymas concluded by adding that even though the HFAC did have historical context, because the Philharmonic Orchestra performed there along with other memorable performances, the new building might be even better. 

        New memories can be made in the upcoming arts building while remembering the moments, the people, and the performances that made the Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center special.