Fund-drive chairmen, architects selected
for Save Mart Center

Fresno businessmen and philanthropists Ed Kashian and Bob Duncan will serve as co-chairmen of the fund-raising drive to build the Save Mart Center at the university, it was announced Aug. 20.

Kashian is the chairman of Lance Kashian and Co. commercial real estate development firm, chairman of the board for Community Health System, and founder and board member of the San Joaquin River Trust.

Duncan is chairman of the board of Duncan Enterprises, a member of the Board of Governors of the California State University, Fresno Foundation, and past president of the Bulldog Foundation.

Both men were ranked among Fresno's top 10 "power brokers" by The Fresno Bee in 1990. They will recruit vice chairs to help raise money through major gifts, naming opportunities, luxury suite sales, and seat-option sales.

Kashian said a specific fund-raising goal has not yet been set, but he said, "We want to maximize pre-construction revenue and minimize the amount we have to borrow for this project. I have no doubt that we will be successful."

Duncan said the volunteer fund-raising group will be assembled and will meet to discuss specific strategies and goals before the campaign officially begins later this year. "I know a lot of people who are eager to jump on board," he said.

The estimated project cost for the multi-purpose event center is $70 million, excluding financing costs.

Fresno State also announced that it has selected the firm of Sink Combs Dethlefs

of Denver as the concept architects for the project. The firm provided architectural services for the Thomas & Mack Arena at UNLV, the Cox Arena at San Diego State University, the San Jose Arena, and the new Value City Arena at Ohio State University.

The architects are expected to deliver a site plan, arena configuration and the exterior design in October.

The Save Mart Center will be designed to seat 15,000 to 18,000 people and will be located along Shaw Avenue at the southeast corner of the Fresno State campus.