Lewisville City Council approved a professional services agreement with Corgan Associates, Inc. to perform the study during a Nov. 21 council meeting. The study will evaluate whether an expansion should add onto the existing facility or be a stand-alone structure, either at the current site or at a different location, according to the agenda item. Corgan was also involved in the architecture and interior of the Coppell Arts Center.
The city’s public art center opened in Old Town Lewisville in 2011. The theater draws an average of more than 35,000 visitors per year and often operates at maximum capacity, according to the agenda item. Some long-time clients have outgrown the facility and moved to other venues, while some potential business has been turned away because it could not be accommodated by the current building’s size and schedule capacity.
Lewisville officials previously made two purchases to acquire adjacent property in preparation for possible expansion.
The study will also address the potential demand for visitor access and parking related to the expansion. Other objectives of the study include evaluating the potential for regional audience development around Lewisville, conducting a competitive analysis within the North Texas market and researching the potential to attract touring programs, according to city documents.
An expansion could occur within the next five to 10 years. If the study’s results are positive, it will be submitted to the Blue Ribbon Committee for consideration as that group develops its recommendations for a possible bond election next November. The results will be presented to the council first.
The study is expected to be completed by Feb. 15.
