Arts of Collin County: Ready to Break Ground

NOW is the time to break ground on the Arts of Collin County, but we can’t do so without the help of the community.  With construction costs at their lowest point in years, there is an opportunity to save millions of dollars on Phase One of the project by breaking ground in Spring 2010.  In order to do so, all of the dollars needed to fund the construction must be raised NOW. 

The estimated amount left to be raised is currently between $8 and 10 million.  The community has already responded and in just three short months, generous neighbors and businesses have pledged an additional $1 million in financial gifts to the Arts of Collin County to help make this vision a reality.  NOW is not only the perfect time to support the community but to also take advantage of the year-end tax benefits for charitable donations.

The Arts of Collin County promises to be the region’s most significant cultural project with a combination of a world-class performance hall, arts facilities and 100+ acre arts park designed for gathering and connecting nature with culture.  The 800,000 citizens in Collin County and its’ surrounding areas will benefit from this cultural destination, and the success of this project requires everyone to participate in the fundraising to ensure the next steps in development.  Not only will the cultural environment be enhanced, the Arts of Collin County is estimated to provide $25 million annually in local economic impact.

Any kind of donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in helping the Arts of Collin County become a reality. Monetary donations of any size can be made online at www.ArtsofCollinCounty.org.

Donors also have the option to leave a legacy when donating through two of the Arts of Collin County’s gift programs, “Pave the Way to the Arts” and “Best Seat in the House.” A variety of naming rights are also still available for those looking to make a donation of more than $1,000.

NOW it is time for Collin County to come together to show their support for the Arts of Collin County. In just five years, 85% of the funding has been secured. The current source of funds is made up of $57 million being contributed by the three owner cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, each of which gave $19 million during voter approved bond elections; BriarRidge Investments donated the land valued at $22 million, Collin County will provide up to $3 million for the open space and trails portion of the project and  over $10 million in private donations from companies and individuals. 

The project was released to bid for construction in November and the final guaranteed maximum prices will be announced in February2010.  As a municipal and private partnership, it is a legal requirement to have 100% of the funding committed before the bids are awarded to the construction team. 

The performing arts hall and park will provide unparalleled opportunities not only for our local students and professional talent to perform  but to attend performances of international and national caliber vocalists ,, musicians and actors in a world-class facility right in our own backyard.  The support of local corporations and philanthropic families and individuals is vital to the success of funding and building a cultural “Central Park” for the region.  NOW is the time for every person and business to help raise the final dollars needed to break ground and build Collin County’s masterpiece.

For more information, please visit www.ArtsofCollinCounty.org