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Additional funding should be attainable
THE POINT — Price for UTPB’s performing arts center has gone up, meaning there’s still work to be done.
June 26, 2008
The good news generated by the robust Permian Basin economy has produced some bad news about the plans for UTPB's performing arts center. But the good news is that the West Texas can-do attitude can overcome this temporary inconvenience.
A conceptual design for the Wagner-Noël Performing Arts Center was unveiled Wednesday at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin Center for Energy and Economic Diversification.
It is a magnificent design for a building that will dominate the landscape halfway between Odessa and Midland just north of Midland International Airport. The facility's exterior will be adorned with West Texas limestone in honor of the geology of this area. In other words, it fits the surrounding landscape.
But before the imposing structure become reality, additional money will have to be raised because the proposed price tag has risen to $89 million thanks to rising costs of labor, transportation and materials. That translates to raising an additional $10 million to cover the additional costs.
But to continue the good news-bad news theme, Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, was on hand to announce that the University of Texas system will provide an additional $6 million for the project, as long as local communities can raise $4 million.
So we return to the good news. With the Basin economy hitting on all cylinders, there should be plenty of prosperous businesses willing to chip in to help improve the quality of life in this region.
Even better is the fact that it doesn't just fall to one community to raise the additional money. This center will serve as a monument to the increased cooperation between Odessa and Midland, as well as any number of surrounding towns.
And many may want to consider a contribution in tribute to the late Buddy West, who spearheaded many UTPB projects during his eight terms in the Texas House. And helping make the performing arts center a reality was one his final goals.
The design done by Boora Architects of Portland, Ore., and Rhotenberry Wellen Architects of Midland got rave reviews.
But some modifications were made to the size of the building, reducing the main hall from 2,000 to 1,800 seats. The 100,000 square-foot performing arts center will stand 90-feet tall near the intersection of FM 1788 and Highway 191.
"It's a massive building," said Don Wood, vice chairman of the community advisory committee.
Grant Billingsley, chairman of the advisory committee said it will be a "landmark."
Billingsley also said construction would start in March even if the full $4 million isn't yet raised. He hopes the building will be open by early 2012.
The project was largely funded by donations totaling $10 million by the late Odessa philanthropist Ellen Noël and Midlanders Cy and Lissa Wagner. A total of $20 million in community pledges was raised.
The second phase of fund-raising will initially target donations of $50,000 or more, Wood said. Eventually, smaller donors will be sought.
Craddick complimented the work of the 24-member advisory committee, which was responsible for fund-raising.
"It's a real phenomenal facility," the speaker said. "It's going to stand out in West Texas and be something we're all proud of."
But there's still some groundwork to be done before the physical structure starts to rise.
We have no doubt that the West Texas area will rise to the occasion as well. And that's the good news that trumps everything. |
