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Centro de Bellas Artes seeks nonrecurring funds for façade, parking and a new outdoor theater
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Summary
The Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré told the legislature it has CAPEX for parking repairs and asked for $1 million in nonrecurring funding to complete entry improvements and build an outdoor theater expected to increase earned revenue.
The corporation that operates the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré asked the House Finance Committee on May 9 for targeted nonrecurring funding to finish ongoing infrastructure projects, improve accessibility and develop a small open‑air theater.
José Yépez Pérez de Corcho Morgado, general manager of the Centro de Bellas Artes, described ongoing phases of work and a CAPEX allocation. "Actualmente la corporación cuenta con una asignación especial para de CAPEX, para la mejora del estacionamiento, que eso se proyecta para este año y principio del próximo, de 4,193,000 dólares," Yépez Pérez de Corcho Morgado said. He told the committee the project will reinforce the parking structure and roof and that the corporation recently invested roughly $10.5 million in energy and water efficiency and other capital improvements.
The corporation reported 41 employees and a mixed operating model combining general‑fund payroll support (about $2,094,000 annually) with self‑generated income from rentals, ticketing fees and concessions (roughly $1,171,000). Yépez Pérez de Corcho Morgado asked the committee to consider a one‑time $1,000,000 nonrecurring allocation to develop a new outdoor performance space and related improvements to the main entry. He said the outdoor theater could open by September and generate roughly $100,000 a year in new earned revenue when operating.
Why it matters: The Centro de Bellas Artes hosts national and international productions and supports cultural activity across the metropolitan area. Committee members asked whether FEMA and ARPA funds covered ongoing projects; the manager said FEMA obligations remain for some storm‑related work and ARPA funds had been used for a limited set of repairs and contingencies.
Details cited in testimony - CAPEX: $4,193,000 currently obligated to parking structure repairs and roof work; ARPA funds $250,000 available for contingency; FEMA reimbursements estimated at about $2.2 million remaining for other recovery projects. - Staffing and finances: 41 employees (mix of career, trust and transient staff). The center receives $2,094,000 from the general fund for payroll and reported self‑generated revenue of roughly $1,171,000. - Requested nonrecurring funds: $1,000,000 to finish a new outdoor theater, entry improvements, and other one‑time investments intended to boost earned revenue by about $100,000 per year.
Committee members praised recent infrastructure investments and asked for a summary schedule and confirmation that current FEMA and CAPEX projects are fully funded through completion. Yépez Pérez de Corcho Morgado said the center is obligated to finish current FEMA projects and will provide additional project schedules when requested.
Provenance: Manager testimony and the committee Q&A are recorded in the hearing transcript for May 9.
