The Woodlands sets sights on museum, arts center

A natural science museum and performing arts complex have emerged as top options as local leaders study how to enhance the cultural arts community in The Woodlands.

Nick Wolda, The Woodlands Township community relations director, said progress on the issue has advanced to phase three, which will be considered by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors on Jan. 4.

"Now what they want to do is take a look at what does that really mean," Wolda said. "Is it possible to do a museum here? Is it possible to do a cultural arts center? Who funds it? Who are the patrons?"

Answers to those questions are expected to come from the third phase in the township's cultural arts feasibility study.

The township's three-person Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee has recommended to the township board that further studies of both possible projects, funding sources, possible partner entities and business and architectural planning begin. Township board members plan to review the issue at their first meeting of 2018, at 6 p.m. on Jan. 4.

Whether either or both ideas become reality likely will involve a combination of factors, including how many jobs would be created, how much each would cost and potential partner entities to operate and manage the facility, Wolda said.

Bringing an arts and cultural center or a natural science museum to The Woodlands is something that would benefit many, said Mike Bass, executive director of The Woodlands Art Council. The group has offered input to the township on plans, Bass noted, adding that members of the local arts community see a difference between a museum and a performing arts center.

"I'm excited about both options, but the museum has always come out on top," Bass said. "If (the township) is only going to do one project, I'd take the museum as long as there is a performance space."

The possibility for a cultural arts center seems to hinge on whether the township could find a suitable partner entity to operate and manage the facility, something that has not occurred yet, Bass and consultants exploring the issue have both said.

"It's a question of who wants to step forward and do this," Bass said of a cultural arts facility. "So far, I'm pretty happy with the process. I'd feel a whole lot more comfortable if some entity agreed to operate the performing arts center."

Discussion of the potential cultural arts or natural science facility began in earnest in spring of 2017. In early December, the township's Board of Directors approved the second phase of a nearly year-long look at how to enhance cultural arts in The Woodlands.

A community survey of 1,000 residents and discussions with arts groups in The Woodlands during the study shows the effort is headed in the right direction, leaders say.

Wolda said the Township has received "significant community input showing strong demand in the community for a natural science museum and a cultural arts center."

Wolda said the Township's Economic Development Committee fully realizes, "The importance of good, strategic economic development that adds value to the tax rolls and to the quality of life," during planning and consideration of a museum or performing arts facility.

A Dec. 6 presentation to the township board was conducted by Duncan Webb of Webb Management, a firm that specializes in cultural arts feasibility studies, and Jonathan Shelledy, of specialty architecture firm Gensler. Both men have been involved in the study since early 2017 when the process began with the community survey of what arts and culture needs are sought by residents and businesses.

During the meeting, Webb and Shelledy both recommended the township move forward with some sort of project, reporting to directors that either facility would be a benefit financially and culturally for The Woodlands.

Phase III of the project is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $175,000, Wolda said. The funding will come from money collected from a 5 percent fee from each ticket sold at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, he said.