The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is just under two years away from temporarily closing its doors. But the clock is already ticking on where the center will hold performances during that period.
Renovations are expected to begin at Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. S., in June 2028, with the facility projected to reopen in fall 2030.
During that time, trustees are considering a proposal to construct a temporary modular theater with a capacity of 1,800 seats. The center is partnering with Belgian firm SpanTech, which proposes building the modular theater with local contractor help and then buying it back after renovations are complete.
During the July 20 TPAC trust meeting, trust chair Wendy Garrett said a modular theater would allow performances to continue during renovations while supporting downtown arts infrastructure.
Trustee Anna America, who directs the city’s parks department, requested a detailed comparison of the cost of constructing the modular theater versus the financial consequences of not building the modular theater, including impacts on arts organizations, city funding obligations and downtown economic activity.
In response to questions from the Flyer, TPAC Marketing Director Andrea Maduro said staff are still developing a construction timeline for the modular theater and expect to provide a more detailed estimate at the trust’s Sept. 21 meeting, when trustees are expected to vote on the proposal.
If trustees approve the proposal, it would then require Tulsa City Council approval before moving forward, Maduro said.
Discovered by Documenters
This was informed by Anderson Bell’s Documenter notes from the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust meeting on July 20. Find out more about how Tulsa Documenters works here.
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