Council approves up to $2 million design‑build contract to remodel downtown museum into 'Assembly Line'

Texarkana City Council on Oct. 14 approved resolution 2024‑127 authorizing the city manager to execute a design‑build agreement with Bill Patton for the Assembly Line project at a cost not to exceed $2,000,000, with funds coming from the 2023 bond fund (Fund 426).

The Assembly Line project will remodel the former Discovery Place Children's Museum at 215 North Stateline Avenue. City Manager Dr. David Orr told the council the project is a partnership with both cities, Texarkana College, Texas A&M–Texarkana, the University of Arkansas Hope–Texarkana and Artex Ready. "Staff recommends approval of the design build agreement that's located in your packet, and I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have," Dr. Orr said.

The motion to approve came from Council Member Paige and was seconded by Council Member Thompson. The council voted 6 in favor, 0 opposed, with Council Member Jay Davis recorded as abstaining. The mayor announced the resolution passed.

Council members did not amend the agreement during the meeting; city staff presented the contract and asked for approval. The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute the design‑build agreement with Bill Patton but does not detail specific scope changes or a project schedule in the council packet discussion.

The project was identified in the 2023 bond fund. The council did not set a separate implementation deadline or require additional approvals at the meeting. Further administrative steps, negotiations and contract execution will be handled by staff as allowed under the adopted resolution.

The council will receive updates from staff as the design and construction phases begin.