Although many local business owners were originally apprehensive about the creation of the Overture Center on State Street, a steady flow of compliments has continued from establishments since its opening three weeks ago.

The grand opening festival of the Overture Center drew in large crowds in mid-September, with all but two performances selling out in the Overture Hall, according to Michael Goldberg, Vice President for Program and Development.

Since then, strong attendance has continued, ranging from 82 percent sales for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to two sold out Bill Cosby performances, he added.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, oversees the businesses in his district, including the greater part of State Street where the new arts hub is located.

“The vast majority of merchants have been very pleased with increased business and the noticeable increase in foot traffic since the Overture Center opened its doors two weeks ago,” Verveer said.

Verveer said most State Street merchants were originally concerned the construction of the Overture Center would increase property taxes. Since most of the business owners on State Street are renters and have to pay 100 percent of their property taxes under lease, they feared the Overture Center would hurt, not help them, he added.

Goldberg added, several area restaurants confirmed an increase in reservations and walk-in customers on the nights of performances.

Susan Shcmitz, President of Downtown Madison, Inc., said there have been no complaints from downtown businesses.

“I think [the opening] brought some sense of, ‘Okay, it’s finally opened. Let’s see what happens,'” Schmitz said. “There’s been some concern and some tension, but I think there was a sense of relief.”

Goldberg said he does not believe the opening weeks’ surge in ticket sales will remain constant throughout the rest of the year. But, an overall substantial increase in Overture ticket sales, State Street traffic and downtown business in the future is expected, he said.

Verveer emphasized the importance of the Overture Center in downtown Madison.

“To have a state-of-the-art facility of this type is unheard of for a medium-sized city in America, so I think we are very lucky to have the Overture Center in the midst of our downtown,” Verveer said.

By joining the existing entertainment options on State Street, such as other theaters, bars and restaurants, the new center emphasizes the downtown area as Madison’s entertainment district, he added.

Along with increasing business downtown, the Overture Center will increase the quality of entertainment for Madisonians. Traveling Broadway shows, such as Phantom of the Opera, originally could not fit elaborate sets into the old Civic Center. But with the new performing arts venue, they can, Verveer said.

“The center is an absolutely outstanding asset to the whole community because it allows for such a wider offering of the arts, both performing and visual,” Verveer added. “The Overture Center is a boon to area businesses because so many more people can come downtown.”