Council hears $10 million plan to renovate downtown 'Impact' arts venue

Andrew Jones, cultural district director, told council the Impact performing arts center will undergo a comprehensive renovation approved earlier in 2025 with roughly $10,000,000 in funding. Jones said the project will address HVAC, electrical, ADA and elevator upgrades, roofing repairs, stage and acoustics improvements and bring a refreshed seating plan. "We plan on closing the building to the public in February 1 and then construction beginning shortly either, you know, the week of February 4," Jones said and estimated completion in late fall 2026.

Jones emphasized historic preservation in the design: consultants uncovered original exterior and interior finishes and the team plans to restore the building’s 1930s character (including paint color and an exterior canopy) while removing later vestibules to reveal original features. He highlighted an operational improvement that will repurpose the original judge's bench into a serving area and make backstage areas one level and ADA accessible to address existing tripping hazards.

Council members asked practical questions about temporary public restrooms and staging impacts. Jones said staff have identified two locations about a block from the main square for temporary restroom access and that construction will remove roughly 8–10 parking spaces on the west side of Tennessee (with some designated handicap spots maintained downtown during events). He said the design team and state historic review (Texas Historic Commission) have approved the approach to date and the project team received a notice to proceed.

Next steps: staff will begin construction in early February and return with construction updates as they occur; council will receive more detailed budget and schedule briefings through the project lifecycle.