McKinney City Council members unanimously approved two items related to the project, including approving the execution of a contract for design and architectural work on the renovation as well as an amendment to the city’s budget for the contract cost, as part of the consent agenda at a Jan. 7 meeting.
The specifics
The McKinney Performing Arts Center is located in the center of the downtown McKinney square.
The building holds some city offices as well as local organizations such as the McKinney Repertory Theater. The building has various event halls and the Courtroom Theater, a 435-seat performance space.
The renovation planned for the building will include various interior upgrades such as replacing and updating equipment, flooring and acoustical panels as well as improvements to dressing rooms, restrooms and other areas within the building that have seen damage, city documents state. Exterior renovations planned include replacing handrails, cleaning exterior masonry and repairing concrete and other building elements.
Council members approved a resolution that allows the city manager to execute an agreement with Dallas-based architecture firm Architexas for design and architectural work on the project.
The design and architectural work is estimated to cost $506,750, which includes a $50,000 contingency. Council members approved an ordinance amending the city’s 2024-25 annual budget and the 2025-29 Capital Improvements Program to allot $750,000 to the design work, city documents state.
The context
The McKinney Performing Arts Center previously served as the courthouse for Collin County from 1876 to 1927.
The building was remodeled and expanded in 1927, which more than doubled the floorspace of the building, the city’s website states. The building continued to operate as a courthouse until 1979, when it was vacated and courthouse operations were moved to a new facility.
The building was later rehabilitated to serve as a multi-use facility and performing arts venue, and reopened as the McKinney Performing Arts Center in March 2006.
Looking ahead
A proposal from Architexas details a 6-month process for the schematic design, selection of a construction manager at risk and development of construction documents. The proposal also estimates an 8-month construction period for the renovation project, according to city documents.
