The Arts of Collin County Performance Hall and Arts Park

[CTroyMathis]

I was going to post this in December, but, was waiting to see if it was really appearing to going through.

Frisco, Allen, & Plano have teamed up w/about $60M in bonds.
McKinney, quite awhile ago said 'Screw ya, eh?!' They would've been a fourth member of the team.

No site selected yet.

Anyhow, as proposed:
CC Performing Arts Center
2100 seats in theater
rehearsal hall and visual arts area
129KSF

I wonder if there's even a design yet?

[tamtagon]

They are so smart, in Frisco and Plano.

[freewaytincan]

Originally posted by tamtagon
They are so smart, in Frisco and Plano.

Hah. Now that Richardson did it, they FINALLY get around to it themselves. Another case where WE take the initiative, and THEY will undoubtedly get ALL the credit. Bastards. They also think they'll be able to compete with the Eiesemann Center! Well, if they can make it somehow CLOSER to the city center than Richardson, AND get it on the light rail with an urban center, SURE they can! But they won't even touch us.

I will admit that it'll be better than the Hobby Center. ANYthing is better than that crap pile in Houston.

[slfunk]

Well you should keep close updates with HHPA. I worked for them up in New York City. When I left there they had either just been awarded the project or where in the final stages of the short list evaluation. Other projects Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer have done are the Plano Courtyard theatre, 2012 Olympic bid urban planning, Radio City Music Hall renovation, Texas State Fair schematic plan, Murchison Performing Arts Center at UNT, and in schematic design for the new Frisco City Hall. Explore their projects at www.hhpa.com.

[slfunk]

Be careful of judgements. Richardson got theirs built first. The Collin County Performing Arts Center has been in the works for close to 10 yrs. Deciding on the placement of the Theater and funding have been concerns long before concentrated efforts began.

[jsoto3]

Hey Stephen! How's it going?! Welcome to the forum. I'm at RTKL now. Are you still at CPYArch? What's the status of the hotel on Main St.? Everyone here would be happy to hear some news about the project. I look foward to your participation on the forum.
-Jorge

[freewaytincan]

Originally posted by slfunk
Be careful of judgements. Richardson got theirs built first. The Collin County Performing Arts Center has been in the works for close to 10 yrs. Deciding on the placement of the Theater and funding have been concerns long before concentrated efforts began.

We had been planning ours for thirty. That, combined with more normal citizens provides a better project, period. More time, more cooperation. I can't help it if we're just plain better than the sprawlers...

[crescentboi]

Hey Urban, I'd hate to admit it, but to a lot of people here in Dallas, Richardson is part of the sprawl! Older yes, but sprawl none the less. It's really not that much better than the other suburbs. However much I hate Southlake, that city looks much better than Richardson.

[tamtagon]

The availability of dim sum is the only reason Richardson could be considered better than any of Dallas' other satellite cities.

[slfunk]

Hey how are you? Yes still with CPY. Been real involved with a housing project down in Uptown. Future developer uh? We should talk

[CTroyMathis]

Welcome to the forum slfunk.

[bloodandpopcorn]

gotta agree with crescentboi...

This will be nice for both suburban areas. I must say, I "love" how much easier it seems to be to get this done in suburbs than in Central Dallas' Arts District, where we really NEED more things like this. Oh, the irony of the sprawling South.

[freewaytincan]

Originally posted by crescentboi
Hey Urban, I'd hate to admit it, but to a lot of people here in Dallas, Richardson is part of the sprawl! Older yes, but sprawl none the less. It's really not that much better than the other suburbs. However much I hate Southlake, that city looks much better than Richardson.

True, I admit, but our sprawl is "less bad". I don't like saying that, but it's true. Among other things, we are a more mature area, and we are also trying our best here in Richardson to not only do the right thing from here on, but to improve what we already have. This is while Collin County is making even worse mistakes here forty or fifty years later, and doesn't really seem to care at all, not even enough to learn from our experiences!

[Foucault]

Richardson is unique...I like going to the Asian Market because, even if it's not pedestrian-oriented, or transit-oriented (not that much of Dallas is), it's also not WASP-oriented. It's fun to go in and suddenly become the illiterate minority.

[tamtagon]

If Richardson gets another DART stop (Main St), the future of an Asian Market could be very pedestrian and transit friendly, attracting a large volume of local tourism to the DART system and the City of Richardson.

Personally, I'm surprised Frisco hasnt begun lobbying for it's own arm of DART light rail. The sport facilities in Frisco will make it more of a destination than Plano.

It's quite possible that a CBD Theater Row (or in Deep Ellum)discussed in the Performing Arts Center thread doesnt currently exist because the theater-going market place is already saturated although fragmented by distance being spread out across the area. As the suburbs sell bonds and establish facilities accommodating large crowds and extensive production efforts, like the one in Richardson, the one planned for Plano/Firsco/Allen, the concentration of small scale venues will evolve. The multi-million dollars facilities will provide main stages for major productions (highest profile stage being in the Arts District); they will also help unify and restructure the 'theater-going market place' as small production groups increase public visability and concentrate in one area.

[tamtagon]

Of course, additional publicly funded Performing Arts Centers in the metroplex could as easily styme demand for an active theater scene. Considering the interest movies comand, quality live performances may never reach a critical mass capable of attracting a large enough customer base to expand out of publically funded venues.

[freewaytincan]

Originally posted by tamtagon
Of course, additional publicly funded Performing Arts Centers in the metroplex could as easily styme demand for an active theater scene. Considering the interest movies comand, quality live performances may never reach a critical mass capable of attracting a large enough customer base to expand out of publically funded venues.

That has often occured to me as well. I am going to be brutally honest: I prefer cinema, plain and simple. Now, nothing beats musical performances, be it a chamber music group or the symphony, or even a rock concert, and lectures and other such productions must be live and on stage, but I will say that for the most part, I dislike the theater, and I plain hate musical theater (I usually don't even like it in movie format, so never mind it as much). There are a few exceptions, but while I don't reflect the general public in a lot of ways, I may be the closest to the social norm on this one. Performing arts centers have their place, but when it comes to a choice, the majority of an audience will choose film. I believe that should be a mjor consideration in the funding and design of these places, as it obviously must have with the Eisemann Center; it's geared towards music, not drama.

[bloodandpopcorn]

Well, the odd thing is, the "average" person really enjoys theater - when they go to see it. I have countless friends who are weened to the stupid, formulaic plots of Hollywood film, but in almost every case when I take them to a play they are blown away. Urban, your problem may be seeing the wrong plays. Without a great cast, director, etc., theater has no purpose. But seeing great actors before you, really feeling the pain or laughing or loving or whatever it may be, and seeing the reality of it, it is far more amazing than any film... the problem is, for all of DFW's theaters, those that are consistantly great can be counted on one hand.

I'll try to mention anything amazing going on theaterwise, Urban, and let you know. I'll convert you, yet.

(I'll agree that 90% of musicals are 100% bullshit. but that other 10%... oh sweet jesus. When musicals get it right, they're unbelievable.)

[freewaytincan]

Sorry man, but I should clarify: even though I'm a movie guy, I don't like about 96% of the schlock that comes out of Hollywood. I guess it just takes a lot to satisfy me, and that level is higher than almost all theater can attain, and almost no film reaches.

[tamtagon]

and that level is higher than almost all theater can attain

It's different, not the same. Most people in DFW would naturally judge a play or musical against movies they've seen; but that's like expecting from a baseball game what is offered through a basketball game. Different, not the same; similar, but not the same.

For decades, the shear population of DFW has had potential to demand a quorum of stage production talent. Nevertheless, DFW does not even rate consideration among those considering a vocation in stage productions:


for all of DFW's theaters, those that are consistantly great can be counted on one hand.

It is possible that PACs in the metroplex will suffer as monolythic institutions, unsupported by a variety of less formal presentation spaces, but I doubt it. In most of the new big cities (Atlanta, DFW, Houston etc) a revived interest in live performances - theater - is growing in popularity, partly out of boredom. With its perception of sophistication, this trend may actually take hold and become part of Dallas life.

[CTroyMathis]

Allen, Frisco arts center sites in running
BY JASON HEID , STAFF WRITER 03/03/2004
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11055053&BRD=1426&PAG=461&dept_id=528208&rfi=6

ALLEN -- Allen doesn't enjoy most-favored-city status with the Arts of Collin County steering committee.
Despite a report in a county business publication claiming that Allen has the inside track on hosting the planned three-city arts complex, Arts committee members insist that neither of the two sites under consideration has the edge.
The field has been narrowed to one site in Frisco and one in Allen. The Allen site, which has been under consideration since last summer, is a little more than 100 acres in an area north of Twin Creeks Golf Course, adjacent to the area where Hillwood Residential is planning the next phase of the Twin Creeks master-planned community.
Frisco's site sits slightly farther from the intersection of Custer Road and State Highway 121, where the three member-cities - Allen, Plano and Frisco - meet. It's also a little more than 100 acres, north of Rolater Road, between Independence Parkway and Custer.
Allen resident Steve Matthews remains chairman of the Arts steering committee until it is dissolved with the official creation of project's board of directors sometime in the next few weeks. He said the committee is awaiting reports on both sites from a project consultant before any decision is made.
"We can't say one site is better right now, because we don't have that report," he said.
While both sites are about the same size, there is less land to build on at the Allen site, because of about 20 acres that's part of the floodplain for Rowlett Creek. The presence of the creek could add to the attractiveness of the Allen site, however, since committee members have expressed a desire to create a park-like setting around the arts complex.
Robbie Robinson, Plano's representative on the steering committee and recently appointed by Allen and Plano to an at-large post on the five-member board of directors, said both are good sites that have measured up to the project's needs. He said he expects the price of the land to be important in the decision.
Maher Maso of Frisco, the other at-large member of the board of directors, agreed.
"If all else being equal, I think the price is going to be a major factor," he said.
Owners of both tracts have expressed an interest in selling their land, committee members said. Once the consultant's study is finished sometime in the next two weeks, the board of the directors and each of the three city councils will negotiate the price of the land with one or both of the owners.
The consultant's report will feature a detailed look at the feasibility of placing all of the buildings the three cities hope to construct there. The first phase will construct a 2,100-seat arts hall, but planners hope later to add a 550-seat theater, a visual arts gallery and a sculpture garden.
The first 129,000-square-foot building would include rehearsal spaces and other amenities. Each of the three cities has approved about $19 million in bond funding for the project, with officials hoping to raise most of the rest of the $101 million needed for the entire project through corporate and private donations.
The three cities will share the maintenance and operation costs of the complex.
While Plano began the effort to bring a regional arts complex to Collin County when voters there were the first to approve $19 million for an arts center, no Plano site was among the finalists to host the complex.
Robinson said the committee realized, after looking at several possible Plano sites near the target area around the SH 121/Custer intersection, that none were workable. The sites were either too expensive, too small or surrounded by incompatible development, he said.
Robinson believes the arts complex is a regional project that will have positive economic development benefits for every city in the region.
"I don't see it as a big issue of which city it goes to," he said. "The CEO of Boeing came down and gave a speech about how important the immediate availability of arts were when they were looking for a site for a plant."
Maso said representatives of each city have worked together and there hasn't been wrangling over one city arguing to host the complex.
"This is a Collin County project. The teamwork and lack of politics has been amazing," he said. "Plano has shown true maturity and teamwork in regards to the way they quickly identified there was no appropriate site in that area."
Lonnie Thomas was appointed Tuesday as Allen's representative to the Arts board of directors. He said there are some benefits to the city that is chosen to host the complex, such as the creation of an attractive, park-like complex for its residents to enjoy, and which can be connected to the city's hike-and-bike trails.
But Thomas agreed with other committee members that the regional impact will be shared by all, including McKinney, which withdrew from the project last year after its voters declined to approve the $19 million membership contribution.
"I think either site will be a benefit to the city as a whole," he said.
Matthews said he expects the site to be chosen by the board of directors by the end of March. The committee also hopes to narrow the architect finalists from three to two within the next few weeks. Board directors will visit other arts centers constructed by the two finalists before choosing an architect sometime in April.

[gc]

collin county blah blah blah......

no offense troy

[CTroyMathis]

Hehe! :D

[rjlevins]

This is older news, but they chose BOORA Architects to build.
http://www.boora.com

Also, last night they were suppose to decide on the site between Allen and Frisco I believe. So I guess that will come out soon enough.

[rjlevins]

Allen leads in study on arts center sites

Property ranked ahead of one in Frisco; panel to decide within weeks


12:17 AM CDT on Friday, July 30, 2004


By STELLA M. CHÁVEZ / The Dallas Morning News




A committee charged with evaluating two potential sites for a new arts center in Collin County has given the Allen property a few more points than one in Frisco.

The panel ranked the sites based on 12 criteria, including each property's natural characteristics, infrastructure, location and access. Land costs were not considered because officials are still negotiating with landowners.

The Arts of Collin County Commission is expected to choose the home of a 2,100-seat performance hall in the next few weeks.

The commission will take the rankings into account but also weigh other factors such as the cost of land and whether either site would be donated.

Plano, Frisco and Allen have committed $57 million total toward the project, which is expected to cost between $60 million and $72 million.

In the comparison, the Allen site scored 138 points, and the Frisco site garnered 124.

The biggest difference between the two properties is that the Allen site has natural features such as a creek and trees. The Frisco property is flat.

Out of 25 possible points for environmental quality, the Allen property scored 21, and Frisco received 15.

The Allen site might be slightly preferred on paper, but that doesn't mean the Frisco property will be ruled out.

"What it means is that either site will work ... neither site is going to be bad," said David Hoover, Allen's planning director and a member of the site-selection committee.

The Frisco site sits at the northwest corner of Custer Road and Rolater Drive. The Allen property is just south of State Highway 121 where Ridgeview Drive meets Exchange Parkway.

"We're all trying to do what's best for the project, and we're trying to make the best decision," said Frisco Mayor Pro Tem Maher Maso, a member of the Arts of Collin County Commission.

Mr. Maso said he has no preference but would like for the land to be donated.

Dick Bode, a Plano resident on the site-selection committee, said he likes the Allen site but believes each offers a good location.

"Both sites are very acceptable," he said.

Among the things the committee considered was access. The Allen property's location near State Highway 121 could give it an advantage, Mr. Bode said. The Frisco site, meanwhile, could be surrounded by more homes. A church and park are planned just west of the Allen site.

In that category, Allen garnered all 20 possible points, compared with Frisco's 13.

Another factor is whether either site is the proper size, shape and dimension to accommodate the project. The Frisco tract received all 15 possible points, and Allen received 10.

Parking and having adequate space is another issue. The Frisco tract earned 10 out of 10 possible points; Allen received eight in that category.

E-mail schavez@dallasnews.com

[tamtagon]

I'm glad this is happening. The greater the expectations of suburban consumers, the greater the quality of urban productions.

[rjlevins]

Allen site chosen for performing arts hall

Land to be donated, but cities are still short of funding goal


12:37 AM CDT on Friday, August 13, 2004


By STELLA M. CHÁVEZ and LEE POWELL / The Dallas Morning News



ALLEN – The city of Allen will take center stage as the home of a new regional performing arts hall.

The Arts of Collin County Commission made the long-awaited decision Thursday, choosing a 118.6-acre site in Allen over one in Frisco.

Briar Ridge Investments Inc., a subsidiary of the Twin Creeks development in Allen, is donating the estimated $12 million worth of land nestled between State Highway 121 and Ridgeview Drive, just east of Custer Road.

"For this, we are extremely grateful," said Robbie Robinson, president of the arts commission. "It sets a wonderful precedent for charitable donations in Collin County."

The site selection also marks a major step forward for the cities of Frisco, Allen and Plano, which have spent months poring over details about the first phase of the project, a 2,100-seat arts hall. Together, the cities have committed $57 million in voter-approved bonds. But that amount falls short of the $60 million to $72 million needed to build the facility.

Board members say the land donation will help in the group's efforts to raise the remaining dollars needed.

Owners of both potential sites had agreed to donate their properties, which are located near each other.

"We never expected to get one site donated, much less two," said commission member Betty Muns. "We're overwhelmed."

In the end, the Allen site won in part because of its rolling topography, mature trees and Rowlett Creek, which cuts through the land.

Board members also took into account the recommendations of Boora Architects and a site selection committee, which gave the Allen site more points on a site assessment scorecard.

In a letter, the architecture firm noted the property's natural amenities, proximity to a major thoroughfare and visibility.

Valued at $6.3 million, the Frisco site is north of Highway 121 on the northwest corner of Custer Road and Rolater Road.

Representatives of Briar Ridge were not present at the meeting. However, Charles Nies, a spokesman, said in a news release that the company was "pleased to be a pioneer."

He added, "Our donation of the land for the Arts of Collin County regional performing arts hall will be the largest donation thus far in Collin County, and we hope it inspires others to join in our effort to build a quality arts environment."


'Site-neutral' decision

Board members and officials from the three cities said the decision did not favor any one city.

"This is site-neutral," said Frisco Mayor Pro Tem Maher Maso. "It's an Arts of Collin County property."

Allen City Manager Peter Vargas played down the site of the future arts center but admitted his delight.

"Yes, there is a sense of pride," he said. "Now it's our job that we work hard to meet everyone's expectations."

For Plano, the largest city in the partnership, the arts hall ending up next door is not cause for bitterness.

"This is so much better for Plano," said Mayor Pat Evans. "For $19 million, we are getting hopefully a $100 million complex. There's no looking back; there's no regrets."

The city once doggedly pursued a hall of its own, saying it was the only place in Texas of 100,000 people or more without one.

Plano ran through an array of sites: downtown, Plano Centre, the Legacy development, a "Symphony Park" north of Spring Creek Parkway bounded by Preston Road and Ohio Drive.

At first, funding was turned down. In 1998, voters approved $19.4 million in bond money. Then in 2001, voters rejected more money – $15.6 million – for an arts complex off Spring Creek Parkway in West Plano.

Soon after, discussions on building a joint hall with neighboring cities began in earnest.

In 2002, Frisco and Allen voters approved spending $19 million each, while McKinney voters rejected the measure. McKinney's decision left some wondering whether the effort would continue.

It did. But some also questioned to what extent the county would participate.

Arts hall backers have requested county funding for the project, arguing that it would be available to all county residents, not just those in Allen, Frisco or Plano.


County's position

On Thursday, county commissioners reiterated their position on participating in the project. They said they might help fund some roadwork around the site if the improvements would ease congestion in the area.

But they stressed that they would not make a lump sum contribution, as the three cities have.

"I don't think the [Commissioners] Court is going to budge on that at all," Commissioner Jerry Hoagland said.

He said he would be willing to use future county bond funds for the arts hall if voters give the OK.

"I'd be more than happy to put it before the public for a vote," Mr. Hoagland said. "I think it would fail."

The arts commission's next step is to finalize a contract with Briar Ridge. Also, a foundation charged with raising money for the project will pick up fund-raising efforts in the fall.

"We're not going to dig that shovel until we have all the funding in place," Mr. Maso said.

Staff writer Ed Housewright contributed to this report.

E-mail schavez@dallasnews.com

or lkpowell@dallasnews.com

[gc]

Good for them.

[rantanamo]

These sites were all pretty close to each other. Surprised this wasn't just chosen for county seas McKinney for future considerations.

[rjlevins]

Either McKinney needs to put up the rest of the money or the county should. McKinney has turned down way too many growth opportunities in recent history. I'm sure they'd bend over backwards for a new car dealership on the side of the highway (my hell.)

[rantanamo]

McKinney is the county seat, right?

[freewaytincan]

McKinney is the county seat, right?

Yes.

[drumguy8800]

Briar Ridge Investments Inc., a subsidiary of the Twin Creeks development in Allen, is donating the estimated $12 million worth of land nestled between State Highway 121 and Ridgeview Drive, just east of Custer Road.

*freaks out*

[freewaytincan]

*freaks out*

Yeah, it's a good thing it's only reachable by car. You don't want the riffraff that comes in on a train or bus.

[drumguy8800]

Yeah, it's a good thing it's only reachable by car. You don't want the riffraff that comes in on a train or bus.

I was talking about the hilarious name situation.

[rjlevins]

This article will make yall want to hate Allen. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/allen/stories/081604dnccoartsfolo.2079c.html
Allen has a lot riding on arts hall's arrival

Officials thrilled with selection, hope to capitalize on it


02:31 AM CDT on Monday, August 16, 2004


By LEE POWELL and STELLA M. CHAVEZ / The Dallas Morning News



The arts are arriving.

So is Allen, in some respects, after last week's announcement that a major performing arts hall will be built here.

Plano has headquarters of corporate titans and the largest chunk of Collin County's residents. Frisco snared the big mall, minor league ballpark and professional soccer team – with more on the way.

Coming to Allen sometime in 2008 or 2009: a performance hall with 2,100 seats in a 100-acre arts district. Plans include a sculpture garden, a smaller theater and an art gallery.

As metropolitan areas sprawl outward, such cultural draws are sprouting at the fringes. And their success often hinges not so much on what gets built – but what gets built around them, planning experts say.

Allen is reveling in its selection Thursday as site of the $60 million to $72 million arts venue, which Plano and Frisco are helping build. A tract in Frisco also was considered.

Its arrival could be a boon for development prospects along State Highway 121, where it will go.

"I think we're going to see a much higher-quality development along that corridor," Allen City Manager Peter Vargas said of the area, viewed by many in the city as a future hot spot.

Said Charisse Canfield, executive director of the Allen Economic Development Corp.: "It will be a boost to the immediate area, but the nice thing is that this is a regional effort."

Arts halls in places like Allen, rather than just the big city, show that metro areas are suburbanizing, says Otis White, president of an Atlanta public policy consulting firm and a columnist for Governing magazine.

"First the people went, then the stores went, the offices went," he said. "The cultural facilities are beginning to catch up with them."

There can be pitfalls: Suburbs often are not laid out to accommodate large numbers of people arriving at one place at one time, he said. Venues built in a campus environment can feel dead after hours.

Instead, think mixed development, Mr. White says. Perhaps a district where you can go from one theater to another, have dinner, shop. Here, the arts help shape the character of a surrounding area.

"It's where it's not one gigantic campus and you're not going there for one reason," he said.

In Allen, officials envision restaurants, a coffee house and possibly art galleries on an adjacent tract fronting State Highway 121. The 118.6 acres for the arts complex itself is being donated. Fields are there now, with some area roads still under construction.

For the city, this is an opportunity to redefine itself. Allen officials have said for years they needed some type of attraction.

"I think the arts district will create a destination," said Charles Nies, chief financial officer of Briar Ridge Investments Inc., which donated the land. "We just don't want to be known as a bedroom community."

About a mile east of the site, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' Blue Star Land Co. is planning a high-end retail, residential and entertainment district.

A trail may eventually connect the developments; future plans link the arts center to a six-city hike-and-bike trail system.

Arts districts can bring economic benefits. However many of them are indirect, such as helping market a locale or luring people to a place they may not have ventured before, a research consultant says.

It helps to anchor such performance venues to larger developments, to capture those indirect benefits, said William Anderson, a vice president with Economics Research Associates, a California consulting firm that does economic analysis for the public and private sectors.

"If it's just an isolated site and nothing goes in around it, you're losing some opportunities," Mr. Anderson said.

Performing arts centers should not be built purely for economic development reasons, he says. As a rule, these venues do not pay for themselves, requiring subsidies to help cover capital and operating costs.

"Is that worth the cultural benefit, the quality of life benefit we get from it?" Mr. Anderson said. "For many communities, the answer is yes. For many communities, the answer is no."

Plano eyed an arts center of its own for years before teaming up with its neighbors. Voters approved some money but later turned down more.

Public art can still prove contentious in Plano. Some wonder: Is it the government's business? What will it cost? Backers say art infuses the suburban landscape with culture, making the place more attractive for residents and business prospects.

Today, Plano officials say together is better.

Pooling resources means the city gets something grander than its $19.4 million contribution could have built alone.

"I think people are very much encouraged by the efforts of three cities to do this," said Frank Turner, executive director of Plano's development business center. "The merging of resources gives much greater potential to building something of true significance to the region."

E-mail lkpowell@dallasnews.com or schavez@dallasnews.com

[bloodandpopcorn]

I wonder what, if any, efffect this will have on attendence to the Dallas Summer Musicals or performances in the Dallas arts district. Are people just not making the trek from Frisco, Allen, etc.? Or will they continue to? The opening of the Eissman (sorry, urban, I have no clue how it is spelled) Center didn't do any damage to big productions in Dallas, but will a second center effect it more? I think it will probably have a stronger hit on the smaller suburban institutions (as well as the Eissman Center) like Plano Repretory Theater. Or maybe they will schedual shows so that there aren't conflicting plays/musicals at any given time, and no one show is produced twice in a year, or something like that.

Any thoughts?

[Lakewooder]

"possibly art galleries" what, more Kinkaide?

[clipper]

In Collin County "art gallery" includes Pottery Barn.

[rjlevins]

Big step for new arts hall

Meeting for first time, planning team agrees on several points


01:54 AM CST on Monday, November 15, 2004


By ED HOUSEWRIGHT / The Dallas Morning News



The $68 million Collin County arts hall is starting to take shape – at least on paper.

Groundbreaking for the 2,100-seat facility ismore than two years away, and backers still need to raise $10 million.

But the Arts of Collin County commission has assembled a team of architects, theater designers, acousticians and engineers who are making preliminary decisions on the hall's appearance and uses.

After more than two years of planning, supporters say they've reached a milestone.

"I woke up Thursday morning and said, 'Oh, my God, design is starting,' " said Robbie Robinson, president of the arts commission, which is planning the hall. "It's a great feeling."

Last week, the consultants – from as far away as Chicago, San Francisco and Portland, Ore. – met together for the first time for a two-day brainstorming session. They also visited the heavily wooded 118-acre site on State Highway 121 in Allen.
The planning team agreed on several points about the public and privately funded hall, scheduled to open in 2009.

First, the venue will accommodate a wide range of uses – from local arts performances to touring Broadway shows to business seminars.
"You'll have the opportunity for everything other than a tractor pull," Mr. Robinson said.

The arts hall will contain about the same number of seats as the renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, but it will have a much different feel, planners said. They want a less formal, more family-oriented facility.

"We want it to be children-friendly," said Frank Turner, an executive director with the city of Plano.

Still, the design and building materials will be top-notch, planners agreed.

They've developed 13 goals, the first being to "develop the finest regional arts center in the U.S."

The consultants say they have a unique opportunity. Normally, first-class arts halls are built in densely populated urban areas surrounded by concrete – not open spaces, trees and a creek.

"When was the last time any of us worked on an arts facility and started with 100 acres?" said Carl Giegold of Kirkegaard Associates, a Chicago acoustical firm. "There will be a warmth to the project."

The facility is being built with $57 million in public funds, approved by voters in Allen, Frisco and Plano. The remaining $11 million will be private money. Late last month, the arts commission received its first donation – a $1 million pledge from Frisco real estate developer Craig Hall.

"The reaction we're getting to fund raising has been very positive," Mr. Robinson said. "There are some really major corporations in the area. We're working on those and some individuals."

The architectural firm – BOORA of Portland, Ore. – plans to spend the next six months developing preliminary drawings for the hall. Those renderings will then be used to assist in fund raising.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2007 and take about 2 ½ years.

Mr. Robinson has told consultants that costs can't rise significantly. No additional public money is available, he said, and officials don't want to raise more private funds.

"We don't know how much of a challenge $10 million is going to be," Mr. Robinson said.

Besides the 2,100-seat performance hall, the facility also would have a rehearsal area and classrooms. Future phases could include a smaller performance hall, visual art gallery, amphitheater, sculpture garden and children's museum. It could host arts festivals, concerts and Fourth of July activities.

Planners said the entire site would be an "arts park" that could take decades to fully develop.

"People will want to come here to experience nature as well as the arts," said Mary Margaret Jones of Hargreaves Associates, a San Francisco landscape architectural firm.

One of the challenges, consultants said, will be to add buildings without sacrificing the scenic, isolated environment.

"You have to be very careful how you design it," said Stan Boles, senior principal with BOORA architects. "You don't want to overdevelop it and lose the sense of nature."

Hike-and-bike trails are expected to eventually traverse the property. In addition, a six-lane, north-south thoroughfare is planned to cut through the center of the tract.

"You can start imagining the possibilities of this site," Mr. Boles said. "The expectations are quite high."

E-mail ehousewright@dallasnews.com

[clipper]

Another nail in downtown Dallas' coffin. And you'll note that real estate speculator Craig Hall gave then $1 million to help build it. He's the same guy that owns that eyesore mess of concrete foundations at the front door of the Meyerson and has not spent a nickel on it in all the years he's had it. Rather than build something there or sell it to someone who would, it stands as a mess in front of our symphony hall while he's throwing money at a new one up in Collin County.

[psukhu]

Another nail in downtown Dallas' coffin. .


I disagree. I think this is good for the arts in general. The more people educated in Art, the better.

DFW is on its way towards a size of at least 8 million people by 2020 (With a consistent rate of ~140,000 a year.) There’s enough patrons and money to go around.

The Downtown Dallas area has one of the hottest housing markets in DFW. As the residential density increases, so will the Art District's vitality. DTD will continue to pack in new residents long after the Collin County cities have reached "build out” Look at NYC; they are still packing them in.


The Downtown Arts District will have several advantages over other arts districts in other parts of the metro.

-High residential density
-Residential demographics for DTD show the people have more free time and more disposable income (mainly because most of them don't have kids under 18)
-Center of the metro rail and highway network
-High concentration of high end hotels within a mile radius
-Tourism guides for Dallas will always recommend the DTD Arts District over the others.

[rjlevins]

Anything that tries to culture suburbanites is good in my opinion. People may go to these shows...realize, "hey, i really miss culture" and find a place closer to downtown. It's a possibility. I'm just glad Allen and Frisco are using some money for something other than stealing businesses and building massive schools.

[freewaytincan]

Anything that tries to culture suburbanites is good in my opinion. People may go to these shows...realize, "hey, i really miss culture" and find a place closer to downtown. It's a possibility. I'm just glad Allen and Frisco are using some money for something other than stealing businesses and building massive schools.

Ha ha ha, I love it! "Hey, I really miss culture." Oh man, funny, but sadly, also true.

[CTroyMathis]

So, it's been a minute - here's a website (and then some) to peruse:

http://www.artsofcollincounty.org
http://www.youtube.com/user/artsofcollincounty
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arts-of-Collin-County/84533696133
http://twitter.com/artsofcollinco

[AeroD]

My two cents, this place would be better off by the Legacy Town Center.

[psukhu]

My two cents, this place would be better off by the Legacy Town Center.

True, but they had to build it central to four cities paying for it.

[AeroD]

True, but they had to build it central to four cities paying for it.

As a former resident of Allen, with family who still lives in Allen, I have no problems with this being located on the farther end of Plano. Obviously a decision was made to be "fair" so they could get the money to build it. But the opportunity to build a great park - even if it would have been somewhat smaller as result of less funds - was lost in order to build a park that supposedly satisfies all.

[CTroyMathis]

Arts hall announces lower construction cost
3:54 PM Thu, Feb 18, 2010 | Ed Housewright/Reporter
Source: http://mckinneyblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/arts-hall-announces-lower-cons.html

The cost to build the long-discussed Collin County arts hall is now $69.9 million, and construction could begin in April, officials said Thursday.

The previous estimate to build the 2,100-seat hall was $86 million.

But new construction bids have come in lower because of the economic slowdown, said Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County. . .

See also: The 'latest news' at the official website - http://www.artsofcollincounty.org/the-latest/news/84-construction-bid-saves-millions

[AeroD]

Frisco City Council nixes ballot measure on funds for Collin County arts hall

05:55 PM CST on Monday, March 8, 2010

By VALERIE WIGGLESWORTH / The Dallas Morning News
vwigglesworth@dallasnews.com

The Collin County arts hall faces a more uncertain future even after the Frisco City Council decided Monday against putting a measure on the May ballot to reconsider bonds authorized for construction.

The council had some serious questions about the project's costs, and members made it clear the city isn't ready to sell $16.4 million in bonds to help build the 2,100-seat facility.

The decision against a ballot measure was good news for Mike Simpson, executive director for the Arts of Collin County. But he said he was disappointed to hear that the council isn't ready to sell the bonds. Simpson has been saying for months that now is the time to build the project because construction costs are low.

"If they vote that they can't sell the bonds, my job just got bigger and harder and I'll have to find more money," Simpson said.

The Arts of Collin County went out for bid late last year. Total project costs are estimated at $68.9 million, a $17 million savings over previous estimates.

More than 100 people turned out for Monday's special meeting of the Frisco City Council, called after concerns were raised in recent weeks about the project and Frisco's involvement with Plano and Allen.

Frisco voters approved $19 million in bonds for the project in 2002. Allen followed suit two months later, but McKinney voters rejected authorizing bonds for a portion of the costs. Eventually, Frisco, Plano and Allen decided to go forward without McKinney, and a site was chosen south of State Highway 121 on Exchange Parkway, near the intersection of the four cities.


I am not sure there is an appetite for an arts center in Collin County, when you already have a great arts center in Dallas, and Fort Worth.