An acoustical and architectural jewel, Centre In The Square, was designed by Rieder, Hymmen and Lobban, and opened in September, 1980. The cost to build The Centre was just over $11 million. The focal point of the spacious building is the Raffi Armenian Theatre, one of North America's most expansive, acoustically- superior halls. Specially-designed to deliver optimal acoustics, performers rave about how they are heard with the same warmth and brilliance in the very last row as in the first. The design offers exceptional, unobstructed views of the stage, which is one of the largest stages in North America.