Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News
The new multi-million dollar Palladium in Carmel opens to the public in just a few months, and Eyewitness News got a tour of the new facility.
Inside, the $150 million dollar building is constantly changing. Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said the wood floor will be finished next week, and the chairs and canopy are already in place. On the second level, guests are able to look down and see the first level.
Brainard said that when work is done, it will be the centerpiece for the city's new downtown. Carmel will take possession of the building November 8 and the first of 50 tuning concerts will begin November 10.
The main hall, which includes more than 65 glass panels, may be the largest glass canopy in the world. In all, there are three entry ways to the 1,600-seat concert hall, in addition to two small lobbies and one large lobby where Italian marble is now being put into place.
"All the main entries have the marble on it," Mike Anderson said. It's three different colors: Gray, red and dark green."
Anderson said the biggest challenge has been the detail, especially when it comes to acoustics.
"That's the most important feature of the building," he said.
But as the finishing touches commence, the main question is whether or not Carmel can afford the Palladium. The Mayor says it can.
"Absolutely," Brainard said. "We have paid for this entire building without using residential property tax."
While Brainard said the city will have to use some general budget funds for operations, he initially believes that the city will get six-to-eight times the return on it's investment in the long run.
