Prosper ISD outlines shared role in proposed Frisco performing arts center; Frisco voters must approve two propositions

During the April 22 Prosper ISD board meeting, district staff presented details of a proposed shared performing arts center the district is planning in partnership with the City of Frisco. The presentation described a large, two-hall facility intended to serve both district needs and regional performing arts programming if city ballot measures pass in Frisco.

Dr. Bradley, presenting the informational report, told trustees the district’s 2023 bond includes authorization for up to $125 million for a performing arts center. The overall project concept laid out by the city and consultants estimates a total project cost of about $340 million, with the City of Frisco proposing roughly $160 million in city debt and economic-development contributions, and private corporate and individual gifts of $50–$60 million each projected to close the funding gap.

The proposed site is on land the Frisco Economic Development Corporation controls at the southwest corner of the Tollway and Highway 380 (near the Cinemark). Under the plan the city would own the facility; the district would have long-term access and a first right of refusal for school programming. Dr. Bradley described two main performance spaces in the design: a “community hall” (described in the presentation as a roughly 300–400-seat flexible black‑box style space with adjacent classrooms for daily student use) and a 2,800-seat Broadway-scale hall intended to host large touring productions.

Dr. Bradley emphasized educational opportunities the district expects: ongoing student internships, front-of-house and back-of-house vocational experiences, and daily uses by district ensembles and classes. He said an independent, third‑party operator would run the facility; the board heard the operator selected through the city’s process is a nonprofit called Frisco Live, which brings national Broadway touring experience and local producing partners.

Timing and voter role: The city of Frisco placed two related propositions on the May 3 ballot: Proposition A would authorize the use of economic development corporation (Type A EDC) sales-tax funds for the project, and Proposition B would authorize the city to issue debt not to exceed $160 million. Dr. Bradley said both propositions must pass in Frisco for the project to advance. In response to a trustee question, he said the propositions do not raise Frisco city property taxes as written on the ballot materials.

Costs, ownership and operations: Dr. Bradley said the project team has modeled how many dates the district might reserve for school use and noted that students would use the facility daily for instruction even if large events occur on other dates. The city would own the building; a facility operator would be under an “operator at risk” structure so event revenues and bookings would support operations. The presentation included schematic images from design architect Pelli Clarke, a timeline that projects occupancy no earlier than 2030 if the project proceeds, and site analysis details including traffic and acoustical studies.

Next steps: The board heard the informational briefing and did not take formal action. Dr. Bradley and City of Frisco staff said they will continue public outreach; the presentation noted community information tables and scheduled outreach events where residents can ask questions about the ballot measures, project uses and timelines.