Performing arts center fundraising effort raises $19.2 million

 

MIDLAND COUNTY - Dreamed of 40 years ago, a "world-class" performing arts center will become a reality for Permian Basin residents by mid-2011.

A fundraising goal of $18 million was set in January to build the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification property. On Friday, Grant Billingsley, chairman of the Special Community Advisory Committee, announced at the CEED Auditorium the objective was surpassed -- $19.2 million.

The 24-member committee, appointed by the University of Texas System Board of Regents, was tasked with developing program recommendations on facility size, design and operations.

The Legislature authorized $45 million for the performing arts center and the University of Texas System contributed $3 million. But the committee recommended another $18 million be raised to make it the best.

"We went over the bar, and that's what we needed to do," Billingsley said. He added he wasn't surprised the objective was reached because of community response following a $10 million cornerstone donation from Ellen Noel and Cy and Lissa Wagner.

"All of a sudden, $18 million was achievable with that lead gift," he said. "... This project sold itself. This was a project people wanted to be involved with."

UT Permian Basin officials credited Billingsley with leading the successful fundraising effort.

The 100,000-square-foot, 10-story facility with 2,000 seats and two balconies is to boast superior acoustics and aesthetics. It would also include space for UTPB's music program, a 200-seat multipurpose venue, a lobby that could accommodate events and added parking.

In total, $74.7 million was achieved, Billingsley said. Included is $7.5 million in highway money for provide road improvements.

Of the total dollar amount gathered, $8.7 million will be used to start an endowment to operate the facility, he said. Officials said they will continue to solicit donations to increase the size of the endowment.

"We need to have an endowment (that does) not depend on the stresses of the strains of Texas politics," University of Texas of the Permian Basin President David Watts. "This marvelous facility will be operated in first-class fashion and your help is still being solicited."

Fundraising teams were Peggy Dean and Don Wood, vice chairman of the committee, of Odessa, and Clint Hurt and Ann Hankins of Midland.

Fifty donors participated in the founders' campaign, and the money raised is within 3 percent of being split evenly between Midland and Odessa. The Scharbauer family also contributed land.

"This project has shown what the Permian Basin can accomplish when our communities and citizens work together," Billingsley said.

Performing arts center funding came under scrutiny by the Legislature just as the session was ending. Billingsley thanked Rep. Buddy West, R-Odessa, who made a speech on the floor that "sold" the project.

"It was great. We appreciate what you did," Billingsley said.

Watts said make this area a place of "world-class" artistic performances.

"It's hard to describe the unprecedented and extraordinary response generated by this project," Watts said in a news release. "The vision for this project, initiated by (House) Speaker Tom Craddick, Sen. Kel Seliger and Rep. Buddy West, supported by the Legislature and UT System, and now supplemented by the region, will bring performing arts to the Permian Basin as never before."

Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale Development Director Violet Singh was also happy the goal was reached. "We are excited to have our symphony and chorale perform here. I think people will be surprised as to what the great acoustics will bring, not only to the performers but also to those who attend," she said.

Tomcat Chief Executive Officer John James said his company could help enhance the technical aspects of the center. "That's our forte. That's where we excel. We're looking forward to being part of that effort," he said.

The city of Midland approved extending utilities to the center at a meeting earlier this month. Watts said CEED has its own water and sewer system, but it does not have the capacity to serve the performing arts facility.

Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center highlights

- May 2006: Legislature approves $45 million.

- July 2006: University of Texas System adds $3 million.

- Special Community Advisory Committee meets for five to six months to make recommendations on what should be included in the facility.

- January 2007: Committee recommends raising $18 million to bring the project total to $66 million.

- July 1, 2007: $18 million fundraising deadline.

What's next?

- Portland, Ore.-based BOORA Architects will take 18 months to design.

- The facility will take 2 1/2 years to construct. University of Texas of the Permian Basin President David Watts said bids for contractors for the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center are being sought.

- Watts said they will soon start looking for someone to run the center. This person would schedule performances and assist in fundraising.

- Opening is planned for mid-2011.

The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center Founders Campaign

Donor list by giving level

Cornerstone, $5 million and above:

Ellen Noel

Lissa and Cy Wagner

Underwriter, $1 million-$4,999,999 million

Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust

Wood Family Foundation

Builder, $250,000-$499,999

Karen and Spencer Beal

City of Midland

Community National Bank

Kelly Cox

Cindy and Nick Fowler

Rhonda and Frosty Gilliam

Arden and Rosalind Redfern Grover

Ted and Jodi Hogan

Investment Corporation of America

John B. and Doris Casey Mason

Odessa Industrial Development Corp.

Lura and Richard Sivalls

The Scharbauer Family

Producer, $100,000-$249,999

Nancy Anguish

The M.O. Boring Jr. Family

Mike and Kathy Cowan

Peggy and Bob Cowan

Ken and Peggy Dean

D. Kirk Edwards

Leah and Jerry Fullinwider

Ann and Ken Hankins Jr.

Ryan C. Hoerauf

Vicki and Clint Hurt

Johnson, Miller & Co., CPAs PC

Earl Rodman

Jim and Claire Woodcock

Patron, $50,000 to $99,999

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Angelo Jr.

Laurie and Miles Boldrick

Sue Starr Boldrick

Paula and Frank Cahoon

Dorothy and Earle Craig

Frank Deaderick

Elms, Faris & Company CPAs

Nancy Hull

Jeanie and Tom E. Johnson

Margaret and Mickey Jones

Mara Kennedy and Family

L&M Charitable Foundation Inc.

Scott W. Long

Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale

Midland Reporter-Telegram

Morrow Family Foundation

Odessa American

Timothy H. Parker

Sewell Ford

Don and Gwyn Sparks

STA Benefits Ltd.

Source: University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Special Community Advisory Committee includes:

Chairman Grant Billingsley of Midland, Vice Chairman Donald Wood of Odessa.

Members are: Penny Angelo, Nancy Anguish, Barbara Atkins, Joan Baskin, Reporter-Telegram Publisher Charles Spence, Odessa American Publisher Pat Canty, Mitch Clark, Robert J. Cowan.

Also, G. William "Bill" Fowler, Nick Fowler, Rosalind Grover, Jeffrey D. Hewett, Clint Hurt, Patricio "Pat" T. Jaramillo, Tom Johnson, Grace King, LaDoyce Lambert, Stephanie Latimer, Joann Magruder, Karen McAfee, Jenny Redmond and Jan Roden.