The Mann Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA), Philadelphia’s premier venue for summer musical, dance and theatrical entertainment, concluded that it needed to increase its’ audience base in order to stay financially healthy and continue its mission.  In 2004, MCPA initiated a master planning effort to examine the needs and related facility improvements necessary to meet the organization’s mission today and into the future.   The resultant Master Plan, prepared by a team of design professionals led by MGA Partners, established the scope and priority of renovations and expansions that should be made to the facility in phases as dictated by the constraints of MCPA’s debt capacity and fundraising capabilities.  The first phase of the approved master plan provides improvements to vehicular access, a new entry gate and plaza, patron accessibility improvements to the overall venue including toilet facilities, expanded and improved concessions, and education and donor facilities.  This $14.6 million phase of improvements began in the spring of 2005 and was recently completed.  In addition to MGA Partners, the team of design professionals includes Wallace Roberts & Todd, Urban Engineers, and Daroff Design.  Contractors for this first phase of capital improvement are James J. Anderson and INTECH Construction The 2006 30th Anniversary Season opened with all improvements substantially complete except for the new East Pavilion (concessions, education and donor facilities) that was completed and ready for the 2007 season.