We’re counting down the top ten stories residents of The Woodlands area should follow in 2018. No. 3 on our list looks at The Woodlands Township's cultural arts study:

What we reported

The Woodlands Township board of directors announced in October it will continue research toward a cultural arts center, which could include an indoor performing arts venue and a science museum. The township has been working with Webb Management Services Inc.,  a provider of development and consulting services, and Gensler, a global design firm, since last year to study the feasibility and economic effects of a center in the area.

The latest

In November, members of the township board visited various museums in the Greater Houston area to research what amenities would be a good fit for The Woodlands area. Webb Management President Duncan Webb said the Houston Museum of Natural Science has expressed interest in working with the township. The township would be tasked with raising capital to build the facility—an estimated $32 million to $52 million. For a performing arts center, the study recommends partnering with a postsecondary educational institution to find funding and help operate the facility.

What’s next

The township will now move forward with Phase 3 of the study over the next six to seven months. The next phase will study how much money could be raised through local fundraising and continue talks with HMNS on a potential partnership.