New UTPA performing arts center part 0f Edinburg's plans for dynamic transformation of downtown region

 

But it comes just in time for the Edinburg City Council's and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation's planned and dramatic transformation of the community's vital downtown and university corridors, says Mayor Richard García.The UTPA Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex, scheduled for substantial completion by October 2014, will replace the aging Fine Arts Auditorium and Fine Arts Annex. It will have long-range positive benefits that will extend far beyond the campus as it plays a major role in the continued socioeconomic growth of Edinburg."This is excellent timing because in a few months, we will be soliciting public bids from qualified firms for our planned make-over of West McIntyre Street into a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly, environmentally-enhanced corridor that will help existing businesses and attract new shops and venues to serve thousands of residents and visitors who will come to our downtown and university" said the mayor. García on Thursday, August 25, praised the action taken shortly after 12 noon in Austin by the UT System regents, which authorizes the creation of the state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot UTPA Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex. The full board’s approval followed the recommendation the previous afternoon by that group’s Facilities Planning and Construction Committee.

 

Working with state and university leaders to establish a first-class performing arts center at UT-Pan American has been one of the legislative priorities for the mayor, the Edinburg City Council, and the EEDC, which is the jobs-creation arm of the city council.

 

"It makes me feel accomplished and proud, and thankful for our entire Valley legislative delegation, who have been crucial for this and our many other legislative successes in Austin and Washington, D.C.," said Garcia, who also serves as president of the five-member EEDC Board of Directors.

The mayor singled out Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, for the vital role the veteran state lawmaker played in securing the state financing for the complex.

 

"Sen. Hinojosa helped lead the charge for us in Austin," recalled the mayor, noting that Hinojosa was the driving force in the spring of 2006, when the Texas Legislature was at work during a special session at the State Capitol. "He was the principal legislative architect who made the state financing possible for this landmark project."The state senator successfully attached an amendment to a statewide tuition revenue bond bill. His effective move provided the needed financing mechanisms to pay for the performing arts complex, which represents one of the largest investments in recent years by the state at UTPA.

 

Hinojosa emphasized that the positive impact of the performing arts complex.

 

"This facility will attract supporters of the arts, quality performers and outside visitors. These benefits will also radiate into the community in other ways," said Hinojosa. "I am confident this will be a top-notch performing arts center that will bolster the local economy by attracting jobs and investment, and enrich the cultural life of the Rio Grande Valley. Investments like these are particularly beneficial because they help boost UT-Pan American's profile in the region."

 

The August 25 official approval by UT System regents solidifies plans by city leaders, who envision the complex – which will be located on the southwestern portion of campus – as a showcase anchor for the city's downtown revitalization strategies.  

 

A key element to the city's downtown improvement efforts includes a visionary rebirth of West McIntyre Street.

 

That roadway runs from the city's main fire station – located two blocks immediately east of Edinburg City Hall – westward to Dr. Miguel Nevárez Drive (Fourth Street), which heralds the entrance to the planned UTPA Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex.Plans for the West McIntyre Street improvements, which will be paid for from federal and local resources, including financial contributions from the EEDC, will feature the addition of outdoor lighting, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, trees and related landscaping, art sculptures and water features. West McIntyre also will be linked to an anticipated multi-modal transportation system that will serve as the headquarters for proposed bus services and light rail.The EEDC is investing significant financial resources into the McIntyre Street project, including $500,000 from the EEDC's operating budget later this fall, according to Nelda T. Ramírez, the EEDC's Interim Executive Director. Most of the EEDC's funds are generated from the collection of the 1/2 cent local economic development sales tax. 

 

According to the UT System:

The scope of the project, revised to align the design program with new budget considerations, will include demolition of the existing Fine Arts Auditorium and Fine Arts Annex, and the construction of a new performing arts center of approximately 60,000 gross square feet (GSF). The center will consist of a mid-sized theater designed for approximately 1,000 audience members with accessible seating dispersed throughout and four rehearsal facilities with an audience capacity of between 95 and 140 seats each. The lobby will accommodate events to include seated dinners. Restroom, food concessions, circulation, and other audience amenity areas will reflect modern audience expectations for a commercial venue and will be sized to accommodate all theater patrons before and after performances.      The scope of work for the Fine Arts Music Buildings B and C will include the associated demolition of existing interior space with full interior renovations of Building C and renovation of the second floor of Building B to meet the academic program requirements. Renovation will consist of life safety, code, and accessibility upgrades; new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); new interior space reconfigurations; new interior architectural finishes; and new roofing.

The planned building life expectancy includes the following elements:    Enclosure: 50-75 years; Building Systems: 15-20 years; and Interior Construction: 10-15 years.The exterior and interior appearance and finish are consistent with similar commerciallevel state higher education performing arts centers and are aligned with the Campus Master Plan. The mechanical and electrical building systems are designed to ensure an appropriate audience experience.    

On August 10, 2006, the project was included in the CIP (Capitol Improvement Plan) with a total project cost of  $49,745,000 with funding of $39,796,000 from Tuition Revenue Bond Proceeds and  $9,949,000 from Revenue Financing System Bond Proceeds. On May 10, 2007, the UT System Board of Regents designated the project as architecturally significant. On December 10, 2009, the board revised the scope of the project; revised the funding to $39,796,000 from Tuition Revenue Bond Proceeds, $7,049,000 from Revenue Financing System Bond Proceeds,  and $2,900,000 from HEAF; removed the special interest designation; and appropriated  funding.On November 11, 2010, the board revised the scope of the project and redesignated the project as new construction.     

 

The final amount budgeted for the facility, as approved by the UT System regents on August 25, was $42,696,000. The sources of the funding are $39,796,000 from Tuition Revenue Bond proceeds and $2,900,000 from the state’s Higher Education Assistance Fund (HEAF).

 

According to the House Research Organization, which is the research arm of the Texas House of Representatives, tuition revenue bonds (TRBs) are issued by institutions of higher education for which future revenue (tuition and fees) is pledged for repayment of the bonds. The Legislature must authorize bond issuance, and bond proceeds generally are used to fund institutional construction, renovation projects, equipment, and infrastructure.

 

The Higher Education Assistance Fund (HEAF) was created as a counterpart to the Permanent University Fund by constitutional amendment (Article VII, Section 17) to the Texas Constitution in 1984, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Since September 1, 1985, these funds have provided assistance to most public universities that were outside the University of Texas and Texas A&M Systems which do not have access to the Permanent University Fund – such as UT-Pan American – to acquire land, construct, equip, repair or rehabilitate buildings or other permanent improvements; and acquire capital equipment, library books.