Since its inception almost three years ago, the foundation has garnered more than 800 supporters, including community members and business owners, and collected approximately $2.25 million from donations and fundraisers. With another $3.1 million from district bond funds, organizers said they hope they have enough to start the actual construction once the bids started to come in on March 6.

The 17,500-square-foot building will include a 3,000-square-foot proscenium-style stage, a dressing room, an orchestra pit and a seating capacity of 580.

"There are few resources in Saratoga for performing arts activities," said Bill Barmeier, Foundation president. "In addition, the center will draw significant groups of people to the area, which will have a great impact on the businesses in the downtown area."

Kevin Skelly, principal of Saratoga High School, added that the center will create a stronger hub where people can interact with one another, which is the true essence of a community.

Amidst the excitement surrounding the completion of the center, some residents said they feel uninformed about the project.

Julie Thomas, who lives along Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, said she does not recall receiving any information about the design of the center but has gotten letters requesting donations.

According to Skelly, letters and brochures containing information about the building's location, amenities and estimated costs are mailed annually to residents who live within a quarter-mile of the school. In addition, residents were invited to town meetings to discuss the center's future.

"Community members had plenty of opportunity to voice their opinions and get involved with the planning process," said Skelly.

Jean Moyles, a resident of Saratoga for 46 years and a parent of children who graduated from Saratoga High School, admitted that she has not made efforts to find out more about the project but supports it.

"It's time the school has a center where students and community members can hold events," said Moyles, adding that her only concern is the aesthetic appeal the center will have for the school.

For other residents who live near Herriman Avenue, their main concern is the traffic that the center will add to their already congested and narrow streets.

But nearby neighbor Chris Apple, who said he supports the center and has donated to the foundation, doesn't anticipate that the center will make a big difference in the number of cars on the street.

Skelly said that once all the bids are collected and the actual cost of the project is determined, the foundation will hold a meeting on March 20 to discuss the next stage. He encouraged those who are interested to attend and provide their input.