The Berea Arts Council is moving its headquarters to the College Square, where it will begin offering new services for visitors.

Currently located in the Tate Building on Chestnut Street, the Arts Council will move into store-front space on the Main Street side of the Square beneath Pamela Corley's Upstairs Gallery and next to Slone's women's clothing shop. In the new location, the arts organization will maintain an office, conduct workshops and have an exhibit gallery.

Additionally, Berea College will remodel the space to create a cross-square arcade through middle of the block. The arcade will enable visitors to get from the Short Street side of the square to the Main Street side without having to go all the way around the block. Inside the arcade will be public restrooms, visitor information and knowledgeable staff to answer visitor questions.

According to Jeff Eisenbarth, Berea College vice-president for business and administration, the activities and new services provided by the Arts Council will complement the Square's current mix of retail, service and office establishments and enhance visitors' experience in Berea.

The public arcade concept originated with the College's campus master plan developed in 1993, several elements of which have already been implemented.