Construction work is continuing on the McKinney Performing Arts Center after it closed in February for a $10 million renovation project.
Latest update
Infrastructure work is underway at the performing arts center, Cultural District Director Andrew Jones said. Almost all demolition work has been done, and crews are working on a mix of roof repairs, plaster work and electrical work, he said.
Crews are also installing new beams at the back of the courthouse theater to level it off and create a more accessible area, he said.
“The theater had a consistent slope all the way to the back wall,” Jones said. “We’re leveling off the back to make a flat landing essentially and in order to do that, we have to reinforce some of that.”
Officials are still aiming to reopen the performing arts center this fall, though a date has not been determined yet. As crews complete repairs, they’ll move on to restoration work involving the floors and windows, Jones said.
The background
This is the building’s first major renovation project since the 2000s when city officials reopened the former county courthouse as a performing arts center. Plans for the renovation include a refresh of the public restrooms, new seating in the theater and infrastructure improvements.
Improvements will include:
- Refresh of all public restrooms
- Updates to theater space with more comfortable seating
- Upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Plaster repair
- Roofing and drainage improvements
- A metal and glass canopy over the entrance
- Elevator repairs
- Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant accessibility
- New railings
