Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County began nearly a decade ago with a discussion between the mayors of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano along with a Collin County Judge on the need for local arts and performance venues and the financial difficulties the cities all faced in developing such projects.   In 2001, a steering committee was formed with an appointee from each city to explore the feasibility of an arts district supported by all four communities.

This Committee in turn established 10 subcommittees with more than 100 citizens from all four communities to study the different issues associated with creating a center as envisioned by their civic leaders. Through more than 150 meetings including 8 public forums, visits to local theatres, interviews with scores of arts groups, individuals and community leaders from both North Texas and across the nation, these volunteers plus theatre planning and management consultants who were hired to assist the subcommittees, worked tirelessly to bring forth a conceptual idea that could achieve together what the four communities could not do separately - create an environment where all citizens can enjoy and share in the full diversity and vitality of the arts in Collin County.

The Steering Committee's Final Report, a comprehensive document resulting from this impressive, community-wide effort, it was determined that a 2100-seat theater and complex was viable.

In 2002 the Cities set out to gain voter approval of approximately $19 million in bonds per "Owner" city to build the first phase of the project, which was projected at that time to cost an estimated $73 million. Allen and Frisco approved their bond proposals by overwhelming majority votes. McKinney's vote failed by the small margin of 73 votes.  Plano voters had previously approved their arts related bonds.

Private funding through a fundraising campaign, Bravo!-The Capital Campaign for the Arts of Collin County, was initiated to supplement the city funds needed for the remaining capital necessary for Phase 1 completion. The generosity of leaders in Collin County began with the $1 million pledge from Craig and Kathryn Hall of Hall Financial Group. The fundraising efforts continue today with ongoing announcements of generous gifts by corporations and individuals.  

2004: Arrival of Arts of Collin County
In 2004, the Arts of Collin County Commission, Inc. was incorporated by the three Owner Cities consisting of a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the Owner City Councils with each City having one representative along with two at-large members. The Board was charged with the development, construction and operation of the arts district complex. BOORA Architects and Theatre Projects Consultants were hired and Hunt Construction was retained to begin design and development for the arts district.

By early 2005, the Arts of Collin County hired an Executive Director to oversee the project and subsequent operation. Later that same year, Briar Ridge Investments donated an enchanting 124-acre site near the intersection of the three Owner Cities valued at nearly $22 million to build the-shared ' vision.  The natural beauty and landscape of the site served as an inspiration for the outdoor arts park, the designers created an emphasis on enhancing the existing terrain.  The Commission also received a grant from the Collin County Parks and Open Space Program in the amount of up to $3 Million to support open space preservation and trail systems.

“Member” cities have been included in the Commission’s structure to allow smaller communities to participate and contribute to the project alongside with the Owner Cities.  Fairview became the first Member City. The Member cities will contribute funds annually towards the maintenance and operations costs based upon each City's population. Fairview became the first "member" city to join the project which was nearing completion of the Conceptual Design phase of development by the end of that year.

2006: The Arts Park takes Shape
The year 2006 brought forth amazing progress and the Final Design Development for Phase 1 of the arts park, a 2,100-seat arts hall, arts classroom/rehearsal space, a sculpture garden, water features, outdoor gathering space, hike and bike trails, and parking pods framed among the trees. Future phases may include a second hall containing a mid-size theater, more art education classrooms, artist studios and lofts, an outdoor amphitheater, a visual arts museum, commercial use space, and additional parking.

Significant projects such as this take much time to develop to ensure a quality plan that will sustain many generations. Public forums and information sessions were held at crucial junctures throughout development and in September 2006, all three Owner City Councils approved the Final Design and next phase of Construction Document Development that would lead to a much-anticipated groundbreaking on the site.  Melissa, Texas became the second Member City to join the Arts of Collin County.  

In 2007 after a three-year design process involving over a dozen of the most well respected design firms in America, as well as oversight by the Commission and Owner City approval at each phase, the Arts of Collin County and Owner Cities approved final design and construction documents.

2008: Progress Continues
The City of Allen completed construction on the extension of Exchange Parkway from Twin Creeks West Drive through the Arts of Collin County to Sam Rayburn Tollway. The road opened in July and ill provides major access to the 100+ acre arts park from all over Collin County and the North Texas region. Ridgeview Drive was widened to four lanes and completed to provide a connection to Alma drive, opening access from the east and west to the site.

In November 2009 with construction costs at the lowest point since the project began Hunt Construction invited bids to determine the Guaranteed Maximum Price to build Phase 1. Fundraising continues to fully finance the estimated $10 million remaining of the private partnership portion of Phase 1.

The Gifts
To celebrate the success of the design process, key members of the design team were invited to speak at a series of dinners across Collin County entitled, “Dinner with the Architects.”  The successful dinner series was underwritten by Capital One.  

Contagious generosity continued throughout Collin County with significant gifts from corporations and individuals.  As of December 2008, more than $-8 million--- was raised in private funds.

Along with the initial gift of $1 Million from Craig and Kathryn Hall of Hall Financial Group in 2004, Texans Credit Union became the first major corporate sponsor with a $2 million commitment and naming rights to the Texans Credit Union Terrace and Grill in December 2006.

In 2007, Stan Graff, owner of El Dorado Motors in McKinney, announced a generous a $1 million donation for the ACC project.

Dr. Betty Bell Muns and James Muns of Plano, have been dedicated to the Arts of Collin County project since its inception.  They understand the importance of a cultural community and dedicated a $1 million pledge in honor of their family in March of 2008.  

From left: James and Dr. Betty Bell Muns and Kathryn and Craig Hall

Following in April 2008, the family of the late Mario Sinacola announced that he will be honored along with his family with a $1 million gift to the Arts of Collin County project.  Their in-kind donation of work and materials from Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating, Inc. will involve the construction of a new road connecting Sam Rayburn Tollway to Ridgeview Drive on the west border of the arts park. This road will provide the main access to the new performance hall and will carry the Mario Sinacola name.
In December 2008, the AT&T Foundation committed $1 million to the Project for the AT&T Learning Room, a state of the art learning and performance space on the south side of the arts hall, overlooking the pond and sculpture garden.  The space will allow for simulcasts and technology supported learning and performances for school children and adults.

During this time many other generous gifts have been received from community leaders and corporations including Margaret McDermott, PACE Foundation, Ebby Haliday, Roger Staubach, Oncor, Market Street, Beverly and Jerry Lancaster.

The Vision Becomes Reality
The citizens of Collin County along with l the Owner and Member Cities, Commission Board members and Steering Committee will be forever grateful for the support of the shared vision and countless hours devoted by volunteers, elected officials, Board Members and staff to research, debate and create this innovative, cooperative plan to build this one-of-a-kind arts park for generations to enjoy.