Frisco ISD unveils plans for 1,200-seat performing arts center

Frisco Independent School District recently unveiled plans for a 1,200-seat visual and performing arts center (VPAC) with multipurpose spaces and an art gallery.

Renderings were shown to trustees Dec. 11 during the school board’s regular meeting. Dallas architect Corgan is designing the project.

The VPAC, approved by voters via a 2018 bond election, will create a collaborative space for events and competitions and provide a larger venue for fine arts performances. Construction should start in the spring and be complete in 2026, according to information on the district’s website.

“In 2018, voters were heard loud and clear as they approved a permanent home for our fine arts program with the Visual and Performing Arts Center as part of the approved bond program,” said Pete Hazzard, the district’s managing director of fine arts.

Hazzard said throughout the process, many possible options of collaborative partnerships were considered but in August of 2022, the district decided to move forward independently using land already owned—south of Hunt Middle School at Legendary and Stockard drives.

“In the five years since that process began, our teachers and students have been waiting patiently for this project to come to fruition as all possible options have been investigated,” Hazzard said. “And tonight we are extremely excited that our team is going to share some updates with you.”

Hazzard said feedback by trustees is the final piece of information needed to move forward and bring back a guaranteed maximum price, possibly in February.

“But we need to know we’re heading in the right direction with the vision that you have of this fine arts facility,” he said.

Trustees said they liked the design for the space, which was described as clean and modern. Highlights include a performance hall with upper balcony seating, two multi-purpose labs, fine arts offices, an art exhibit gallery and back of house support spaces.

Questions from trustee Stephanie Elad included if additional staff would be needed to help manage the facility.

Hazzard said he anticipates so, with the many opportunities available for the community via the new space.

“That’s going to require some additional hands on deck,” he said.

Elad also asked about the maximum guaranteed price for the facility.

“Because this bond was approved five years ago, construction costs are very different than they were five years ago, and so there may very well be a delta between what was approved for the bond and what it’s going to cost to build this facility,” Elad said. “So I assume any future discussions when we get to that point would also include a discussion around that piece, as well?”

Kimberly Smith, chief finance and strategy officer, said that is a planned point of discussion when the item is brought back to trustees.

“We know construction costs have escalated, and we have a couple of different options to cover that overage,” Smith said. “When we get a [guaranteed maximum price] we’ll provide the board with what those options are and what our recommendation is.”

The $691 million bond package approved in 2018 included an estimated cost of $43 million for a multi-purpose auditorium, according to information on the district’s website.