By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition December 2016.
The construction of the McAllen Performing Arts Center was fast ending in a beautiful building that will serve generations to come. Not long ago, it was on July 24, 2014, that McAllen City officials broke ground to start the construction of the $45 million facility, which is now ready for hosting Broadway shows and local productions.
From the beginning, city officials envisioned creating a dynamic venue that now rivals that of any large city and is expected to be meeting the needs of the local community. The 93,000-sq.ft. facility features state-of-the-art technology in acoustics, audio, lighting, and stage support.
In November of 2013, voters had approved the issuance of $15 million in bonds for the McAllen Performing Arts Center, which sits across from the new 6-story, $20 million Embassy Suites hotel. McAllen Performing Arts Center sits on the southeast side of the McAllen Convention Center grounds and is just west of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas.
The City of McAllen currently attracts over 170 shows a year. They perform at the Convention Center’s exhibit halls and what was the Civic Center auditorium; it has since been demolished. The new venue is anticipated to draw over 200 shows a year featuring Broadway touring shows, Mexican touring plays, popular music concert tours, comedy tours, symphonic orchestra and band concerts, as well as popular family show tours.
ERO Architects with Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture designed this beautiful jewel of a building. The auditorium features adjustable acoustics to accommodate from traditional music to the symphonic orchestra; a robust acoustical shell with a celestial ceiling; and four levels of seating, including 1,093 seats in the main auditorium level, 422 seats in the first balcony level and 301 seats in the upper balcony, meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Looking back, when Texas Border Business covered the ground breaking event, the city officials present were elated to start this project finally. At that time, the late Commissioner Scott Crane took part in the ceremony and today we remember him recognizing his valuable contribution to this monumental task. It is also important to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Richard Cortez, former McAllen Mayor, and Aida Ramirez, Commissioner.
On another matter, the December issue of Texas Border Business is a special edition. Not only because we have extensive coverage of the McAllen Performing Arts Center, but because we also feature our eleven Exclusive stories of 2016.
This issue is indeed a special edition and worth keeping.
You will enjoy this issue!
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