Downtown Art Museum

CIP 834-867-0600

Summary

In 1985 voters approved $14.7 million in tax-supported bonds to build a downtown museum. The City of Austin and the Laguna Gloria Art Museum (LGAM) entered into an agreement in 1986 to construct a museum building owned by the City of Austin and operated by LGAM. The architect Venturi, Rauch & Scott Brown (VRSB) designed and submitted drawings and specifications to the City in 1988. Approximately $2.9 million had been spent by the City when in 1989 it was decided the project was not economically viable.

Status

A committee is being formed to identify funding sources for completion of design, construction and operation.

Issues

It is anticipated that, due to increased costs, and changes due to a different site, current funding is insufficient to redesign and construct the building.

Description

Although the original site for which the Austin Art Museum project is no longer available, a new site has been purchased on W. 3rd Street between San Antonio and Guadalupe Streets. The Venturi design and construction documents have been paid for and are still available. A Downtown Arts Museum has been recommended by R/UDAT, which also recommended the concept of a Downtown Arts District.

Basic Data

  • Project Contact/Manager: Michael J. Heitz, Director, PARD, 499-6717
  • Bond Authorization: $14,710,000
  • Current Appropriation: $9,315,000
  • Unobligated Appropriated: $6,382,968
  • Estimated Annual Operating Cost: $1,000,000

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    Source: City of Austin