Two architect and design firms have been selected to construct Plano ISD’s largest 2016 bond project—a performing arts center.

The district selected Dallas-based Perkins+Will and Oregon-based Bora Architects to design and construct the new facility, which will be located on the southeast quadrant of Park Boulevard and Alma Drive.

The new center will support the more than 60 percent of the district's secondary students who participate in fine arts programs, according to a release from the district.

The center will include a studio theater, rehearsal space, black box theater, visual arts spaces, an art gallery and a large performance hall capable of seating 1,500 people.

“We believe that the creative power of the Perkins+Will [and] Bora team and the creative arts education team from Plano ISD will be able to realize a vision for a space that is both functional yet beautiful, educational yet professional, and a place by which students, parents, staff and our community will be inspired,” Kathy Kuddes, PISD director of fine arts and special programs, said in the release.

Planning for the new center began in February, and workshops will be hosted in March and April. The workshops will be held between architects from both firms, consultants, members of the community and district staff from the facility services and fine arts departments. Workshop dates have not been announced.

The need for this facility was discussed during a Dec. 17, 2015, public hearing when community members expressed a need for a performing arts center in Plano. They said the new center needs improved acoustics, a stage and ample seating.

The 16.4-acre piece of land was purchased for approximately $4.3 million, which was approved at the Oct. 18 Plano ISD work session. Money for this purchase comes from the 2016 Bond proposition, approved in May. The bond proposition included $5 million to acquire land for and to construct the performing arts facility.

The facility is scheduled to open in January 2020, said district spokeswoman Lesley Range-Stanton.