The Regional Cultural District of Northeast Tennessee, together with others in Johnson City, asked Craig Gaulden Davis to design a Performing Arts Center that included a 2000-seat Main Hall, a 300-seat Studio Theatre, and a 150-seat Black Box Theatre.
The Center was envisioned as part of a complex incorporating the just-built main library, a Visual Arts Center, Regional Museum, Amphitheater, and parking. The development of the concept was expected to be a key to the revitalization of downtown Johnson City.