Future home of the arts From the cover
What’s happening
Developable land in the River Walk River Walk boundary
CENTRAL PARK AVE.
“This is a hidden gem, and it’s not like they’re going to build another River Walk in the town of Flower Mound,” Kummer said. “Rather than just come down here for the arts, they can come down here and grab dinner [and] go to the show afterwards.” With the arts center project, town officials said they hope it will ultimately make the River Walk a local and regional destination. Officials added that they recognize the generally negative opinions about the development, stemming from it not living up to the original vision for the River Walk. “There is a recognition that we have to do our part to finish it out,” Childers said. “Flower Mound doesn’t benefit if everybody just stands and points and criticizes the River Walk. There has to be some energy and investment to finish it out.” Additionally, Childers said the town is looking to find ways to program nearby undeveloped land in a complementary way to the arts center, such as putting up a screen for outdoor movies or setting up a performance stage.
Flower Mound officials are moving forward with plans to construct an arts center within the River Walk mixed-use development after hosting an opportunity for public feedback Dec. 11. Town Manager James Childers said this project is an opportunity to develop a catalyst and an amenity within the River Walk, which could draw more foot traffic to the mixed-use development. The 3.67-acre site that will house the future arts center was previously envisioned as an amphitheater adjacent to the River Walk’s restaurants, according to the development documents. “The general idea is to be able to put something that has people on a regular basis,” Childers said. “From there, the people go to the restaurants, they go to the shops.” Chris Kummer—a co-owner for the building housing Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro, which recently opened in the River Walk—added that the arts center project could help generate foot traffic for the area and complement the existing businesses.
Undeveloped land
1ST AVE.
RIVER WALK DR.
Flower Mound
N
Flower Mound development foot traffic, 2023 Town officials hope that the arts center will create additional foot traffic in the River Walk.
1.2M 1M 600K 200K $0 400K
River Walk Lakeside
Parker Square
SOURCES: TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND, PLACER AI/COMMUNITY IMPACT
By the numbers
$3M purchase price for 3.67-acre site for the arts center $1M in tax increment reinvestment zone financing for a parking garage
previous councils have done to say we bless this concept,” Childers said. Because the project is in the early stages, town officials have not created any formal initiatives used to increase the number of hotel nights. Childers said internal conversations are happening about ways the town could leverage those funds in conjunction with arts center programming.
Town officials project to spend around $50 million on the arts center, but the final price tag will be finalized during the design process. Other town investments within the River Walk area include the construction of a parking garage near the development’s restaurants. “This represents that first sizable investment besides just the oversight and approval that
$373,931 in annual hotel occupancy tax revenue to the town, on average
$50M estimated budget to build the arts center
SOURCE: TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Ten years strong — and growing! Ambition Dance Productions in Highland Village is opening soon. OPENING JANUARY 20TH!
$25 OFF REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS For new students at the Highland Village location only. Exp. 2/28/26
Registration NOW OPEN
2800 Village Parkway, Ste. 710 |
ambitiondancepro.com | 469-218-2400
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook