B.W. COOK -- The Crowd

* B.W. COOK’S column appears every Thursday and Saturday.

Internationally recognized architect Helmut Jahn recently greeted a

local crowd in celebration of the newly designed Imperial Bank Tower in

Costa Mesa.

Pinot Provence catered the reception of champagne and hors d’oeuvres

for guests surveying the steel and glass redesign of the building. Jahn,

architect for the new Sony Center in Berlin, was charged with creating

the tower’s atrium entrance.

A 3,000-square-foot vaulted pavilion was constructed to connect the

two existing buildings of the bank, consisting of a 17-story tower and a

low-rise retail building. Jahn is known as an innovator concerning the

use of glass in structures, combining both the artistic and the

environmental elements crucial to a project.

Local leaders in business and society were on hand to applaud the

effort, just one of the latest architectural statements to be made that

elevates the visual as well as cultural and business stature of the

region.

The Segerstrom family, owners of South Coast Plaza and much of the

retail and business property in the South Coast Metro area, are behind

the transformation of the architectural landscape.

In September, the Bridge of Gardens -- a 584-foot-long, open-air span

connecting the east and west sides of South Coast Plaza -- will debut.

The considerable project, completed at tremendous expense and with great

attention to detail, will offer both a practical and visual experience

for the walking shopper.

Such improvements are tangible hallmarks of the vibrancy of this

region.

Leaders such as Henry Segerstrom set the tone for this remarkable

advancement by prioritizing the importance of art and architecture in

society -- and then taking action to demonstrate that belief.

Segerstrom’s late wife, Rene Segerstrom, shared this vision with her

husband. In honor of Rene Segerstrom’s spirit, the Chairman’s Cup for

distinguished service to the Orange County Performing Arts Center was

awarded posthumously to her at this year’s board meeting.

Roger Kirwan, chairman of The Center, presented the honor stating:

“Rene’s love for the arts and her commitment to helping them flourish in

Orange County took many forms. We are truly grateful to have been one of

the many beneficiaries of her hard work and generosity.”

Rene Segerstrom was also very involved in the building committee for

The Center, specifically concerned with the creation of the new concert

hall.

A major fund-raiser for The Center is set for Sept. 18, honoring

distinguished Center donors. The inaugural Fire Bird Dinner will be

thrown by board of directors to recognize both center fund and endowment

fund donors.

At the annual meeting led by Kirwan, it was announced that The Center

has operated in the black for the 15th consecutive year, with operating

revenue providing a $700,000 surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30.

With contributions and ticket sales reaching all-time highs, The

Center moves forward with plans to create world-class concert and

performing facilities to complement Segerstrom Hall.

During the Fire Bird Dinner -- named for the metal sculpture gracing

The Center’s entrance area, originally the vision of Rene Segerstrom --

donors will be lauded who have made unrestricted gifts of $25,000 or more

during the past fiscal year. Many guests who will be recognized have

given in excess of $100,000, and there are a remarkable number of

$1-million donors as well.

Much of the largess comes from a very involved board of directors.

Generous citizens serving on the Performing Arts Center board include

Zee Allred, Irene Bentley, Greg Christofferson, Sandy Daniels, Karen

Elliott, John Evans, Robert Follman, Doug Freeman, Barbara Glabman, Larry

Highby, Bonnie Hill, Mark Howlett, Martin Hubbard, Christine Iger and

Mark Johnson.

Others are: Bill Lynam, Jerry Mandel, Rick Muth, Tom Nielsen, Patrice

Poidmore, Pat Poss, Gini Robins, Pat Rypinski, Doug Smith, Daniel

Sonnenshine, Sheila Sonnenshine, Dotti Stillwell, Tim Strader, David

Threshie, Tom Tierney, Tim Weiss and Carol Wilken.

On the night before the dinner saluting donors, Sept. 17, the Founders Annual Gala will be held, also produced by The Center’s Founders Plus

support group. Casa la Cuesta, the elegant and historic residence of Pat

and William Podlich, will be the setting for the gala honoring another

local powerhouse, the philanthropic Jeanette Segerstrom.

Vesta Curry is chairing the Sept. 17 dinner, with assistance from

Barbara Johannes and Gini Robins. For more information, call Curry at

(949) 497-2872.