The Woodlands again to mull new performing arts center
The Woodlands Township is setting its sights back on a potential new performing arts center after a nearly three-year pause on the project.
The township assigned three research projects to the board’s newly-reinstated ad hoc economic development committee, including a plan to evaluate the potential for a performing arts center that was first discussed in 2019.
In May 2019, the board first announced an exploration into a $71 million, 100,000-squarefoot new facility near the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The township entered a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the pavilion in December 2019.
Plans included a 1,500-seat theater; a 200- to 400-seat multi-purpose venue; spaces for rehearsal, classrooms and a public gallery; and outdoor reception space.
Then-township board chairman Gordy Bunch said plans for a cultural arts center in The Woodlands had been on the table for years.
“A performing arts center could exactly be the ‘what’s next’ as The Woodlands continues its appeal for residents, businesses, conventions and tourism,” Bunch said in a release. “We have the potential to be a significant arts destination.”
When the 120-day MOU research period expired, the pavilion asked to put plans on hold due to the COVID pandemic. The township postponed the project via videoconference in July 2020.
After another three-year pause, the township’s board of directors reintroduced an ad hoc economic development committee Jan. 18 to help attract and promote businesses, employment, and events in The Woodlands. Consisting of board members Ann Snyder, Kyle Watson and Brad Bailey, the committee will help the township determine where to focus its funding in order to promote development.
The township reintroduced the potential performing arts center as the committee’s biggest research priority Feb. 16. Other priorities include village shopping centers and future plans for the former GE building on 9669 Grogan’s Mill Road, which the township owns.
The potential facility would be located on township land in the area known as the “Gold Parking Lot” on Lake Robbins Drive. The committee will develop funding strategies and solutions for the performing arts center and other projects before bringing it back to the board at a later date.
No action can be taken by the committee until it is brought back to a township meeting, Snyder said.
“This just gives authority to the ad hoc economic development committee to discuss so that the residents know what it is we are looking at,” Snyder said.