The Palace Theatre launched a campaign in July to pay for a new children’s education center at Second and Rock streets. As of mid-December, the theater has raised $1.9 million in gifts and pledges for the new building, Executive Director Marissa Austin said.

Theater leaders are now moving forward with creating architectural drawings, and Austin said the theater will continue to accept pledges and gifts. She said the Palace Theatre board hopes to have the $2.5 million gathered as soon as possible so it can move into the construction phase.

Austin said the board hopes to completely fund the project with gifts and pledges and has no plans to issue debt to pay for the expansion.

The center is tentatively scheduled to open in 2018.

The Palace Theatre 810 S. Austin Ave. 512-869-7469 www.georgetownpalace.com