East Texas Symphony To Occupy Downtown Offices
-Staff Photo By Cindy Mallette
Mayor Joey Seeber (left) shakes hands with East Texas Symphony Orchestra President Jeff Austin, III after announcing a new agreement that will bring the symphony to downtown Tyler on Wednesday.
Tyler Mayor Joey Seeber announced today that East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association has agreed to locate its administrative offices downtown.
It will be part of an effort to renovate the Liberty Theater into a recital and performance hall.
A memorandum of understanding was approved by City Council that to make ETSOA an anchor in the planned Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District.
“Having the Symphony in Downtown Tyler is an important step toward implementing the Tyler 21 plan to create a Business, Arts and Culture District in downtown,” Seeber said in a statement released by the city. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better beginning to this effort.”
The agreement details a ten-year lease for ETSOA to occupy offices at 107 E. Erwin with an option to purchase the property from the city.
ETSOA will raise $800,000 to renovate the Liberty into a multi-purpose theater with seating for 300. The facility will house recitals and performing arts, the city’s announcement said.
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Seeber said the city purchased the theater and adjoining office buildings for $190,000. The Symphony will take over ownership of the theater once the renovations are complete, he said.
“The Symphony has been an integral part of the culture of this community since 1936,” said ETSOA Executive Director Nancy Wrenn. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate with the City to enhance our mission through their vision for downtown Tyler.”
“The Symphony has sought to expand its patron base and events,” ETSOA President-Elect Jeff Austin III. “Establishing a performing arts center in downtown will fast track this effort and act as a regional draw for tourism in Tyler.”
The cost to renovate is $800,000 plus an initial operating reserve, insurance and production equipment. ETSOA will launch a campaign to raise the funds to complete the renovations. The agreement provides for naming rights to the theater as part of the fundraising campaign.
“It is a real watershed moment for the redevelopment of downtown Tyler,” said Beverly Abell, executive director for the Heart of Tyler Main Street Program. “The theater will be a major quality destination for downtown. This is one of those events that every downtown development program hopes for; we feel very fortunate that this is coming to fruition.”
Management and ownership will be transferred to ETSOA upon completion of renovations with the city maintaining oversight related to funding for tourism related activities.
“This development signals the beginning of a real renaissance of downtown,” said Mark McDaniel, City manager designate. “The next several years are going to be very exciting for downtown Tyler.”
Updated Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. CDT
Updated Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. CDT
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