The Woodlands Township is studying the possibility of developing a cultural arts center in The Woodlands. Ed Robb, township director and chairman of its Economic Development Committee, said the committee is reviewing previous studies and could soon hire a consultant. Robb said the consultant would examine if a such a facility is desired by residents, what type of facility may be sought, where it would be located and how much it would cost. "Great cities have not just commerce, education, health facilities, retail and corporate headquarters, they become a more complete, well-balanced community when they address the cultural arts," Robb said. He said a cultural arts center could include a museum operated in partnership with one from Houston's museum district, or a performing arts center. The efforts by the township are the latest by Woodlands leaders to develop a cultural arts facility. In the mid-2000s, the Town Center Improvement District, which served as the predecessor to the township, conducted studies into a similar facility. However, Robb said those studies are outdated. Then in 2012, Woodlands founder George Mitchell, in partnership with The Goodman Corporation, looked to purchase a two-acre tract of land along The Woodlands Waterway to build a $35 million, 1,800-seat performing arts venue. Township chairman Bruce Tough said that deal fell through when Mitchell and the Howard Hughes Corporation, which owns The Woodlands, could not reach an agreement. "It looks like there is a demonstrated need and a lot of support for this," Tough said.