Las Condes hopes to have "the best theater in Chile and in South America"

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SANTIAGO.- The ambitious plan of the Municipality of Las Condes to transform the old establishments of Apoquindo 3300 into a Cultural Civic Center and Municipal Theater, began to take form this week with the demolition process of the building which housed the municipal offices until 2004.

Although the center will also have non-cultural areas, the emphasis is on strengthening the production of cultural activities within the commune.

In addition to conference and expo rooms, one of the building's attributes will be the presence of a Municipal Theater that will host concerts, ballet and theater, with technology to have up to three sets at once.

"We want it to be the best theater in Chile and in South America, technically speaking", explained mayor Francisco de la Maza.

The eight-story building will include parking spaces for 386 vehicles, cafeterias and libraries.

"We hope to finish the first phase by the end of 2008, and the theater in mid-2009", De la Maza forecasted.