More than 10 years in the making, plans for a new complex to replace a deteriorating but significant community arts center is picking up speed as it moves through the city approval of process.
Austin's Design Commission on Tuesday unanimously recommended plans presented by city Parks and Rec reps and Studio8 architects for a building to replace the 75-year-old Dougherty Arts Center at 110 Barton Springs Road.
The new building will be in a slightly different location — at Butler Shores on Lady Bird Lake west of South Lamar Boulevard, next door to the Zach Theatre campus — and will feature several theaters, studios, galleries, classrooms, offices, and a mix of outdoor spaces. Plans for the 45,000-square-foot cultural center and adjacent parkland include a great lawn to replace an existing baseball field, an underground parking garage, courtyards, and a rooftop terrace for public and private events.
The $53 million replacement project is funded with city bonds approved in 2012 and 2018 city bond funding. The city plans to seek bids in spring 2024 and aims to have have the project completed by in spring 2026.
