Carmel arts center attracts first tenant

CARMEL, Ind. (AP) - Indianapolis Civic Theatre is moving from the city to the new $147 million performing arts complex being built in suburban Carmel.

Carmel arts complex director Steven Libman says the group will be the primary occupant of a 500-seat theater that will be ready by September 2011.

The theater group was formed in 1915 and performed for 30 years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art before moving to Marian University in 2004. The group says it sought proposals for a new home as its lease with Marian neared its end.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard says the agreement is "in perpetuity" and that a $10 million payment from the theater group will help pay construction costs.

The arts complex also will include a 1,600-seat concert hall, expected to open next fall.