Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County has been taking shape for almost a decade. Here are some notable highlights from the project's history:

2001 – The mayors of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano, along with a Collin County judge, discuss the need for greater arts support in the area. The group decides to study to feasibility of creating an arts district supported by all four communities. A joint Steering Committee is formed to conduct the study.

2001 – The Steering Committee delivers its final report, determining that an arts complex featuring a 2,100-seat theater is viable.

2002 – The four lead cities seek bond approval from their residents. Plano, Allen and Frisco all pass their bond issues. McKinney sees its bond issue fail by a scant 73 votes, reducing the number of "Owner" cities to three.

2002 – The Bravo! Capital Campaign for the Arts of Collin County is initiated to raise the funds required to complete Phase 1 of the project.

2004 – The Arts of Collin County Commission is incorporated by the three Owner Cities. BOORA Architects and Theatre Projects Consultants is hired and Hunt Construction is retained to begin design and development of the arts district.

2005 – Briar Ridge Investments donates 124 acres of land for the project. Located near the intersection of the three Owner Cities, the parcel is valued at nearly $22 million.

2006 – The final design and development for Phase 1 is completed. Plans include a 2,100-seat Performance Hall, expansive Arts Park and trail network.

2007 – The three Owner Cities approve the final design and construction documents.

2008 – The City of Allen completes construction of Exchange Parkway from Twin Creeks West Drive through The Arts of Collin County to Sam Rayburn Tollway. Ridgeway Drive is widened to four lanes to provide easier east-west access to the site.

2009 – With construction costs at an all-time low, Hunt Construction invites bids to determine the guaranteed maximum cost to complete Phase 1. Private fundraising continues.

Click here for a detailed history

Major Gifts

The Arts of Collin County has been the recipient of many generous gifts through the years from both private and corporate donors. Following are some of the highlights of our community's generosity:

2004 – Craig and Kathryn Hall of Hall Financial Group make the first major donation with a $1 million pledge.

2006 – Texans Credit Union becomes the first major corporate sponsor, making a $2 million commitment and securing the naming rights to the Texans Credit Union Terrace and Grill.

2007 – Stan Graff, owner of El Dorado Motors in McKinney, donates $1 million.

2008 – Dr. Betty Bell Muns and her husband James, who have supported the project since its inception, pledge $1 million in honor of their family.

2008 – The family of the late Mario Sinacola announces an in-kind gift of $1 million in his honor. Their donation of work and materials from Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating, Inc., involves construction of a new road connecting Sam Rayburn Tollway to Ridgeview Drive along the west border of the complex. The road will carry Mr. Sinacola's name.

2008 – The AT&T Foundation commits $1 million to create the AT&T Learning Room – a state-of-the-art educational and performance space to be located on the south side of the Performance Hall building.

We would also like to recognize substantial gifts from Margaret McDermott, PACE Foundation, Ebby Halliday, Roger Staubach, Oncor, Market Street, and Beverly and Jerry Lancaster.