SUBJECT:
Title
2025 Performing Arts Center (PAC) Feasibility Study Report
Department
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
Stacey McMath, Senior Consultant, Webb Mgmt
end
Chris Wineman, Principal, Semple Brown
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 60 minutes
end
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
While there are no immediate policy implications, the construction and operation of a Performing Arts Center (PAC) would carry significant long-term policy considerations for the Town. A facility of this type would require Town Council to establish future direction on funding mechanisms for both capital construction and ongoing operations, including acceptable subsidy levels.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
None - presentation only.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• Presentation of the Performing Arts Center feasibility study findings, assessing market demand, facility needs, and alignment with Town goals.
• Council will need to consider long-term policy direction on funding mechanisms, governance structure, and integration with the Town Center development.
• No immediate actions are required, but future decisions will determine the project’s scope, timing, and operational model.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In the 2023 Community Survey, the Town asked: “As part of the Town Center project, in addition to a small/medium size grocery store and a hotel, the Town Center plans call for a Civic Building. Please indicate your level of support for the following civic uses in this location.” Options included:
• Performing/Cultural Arts Center
• Museum
• Town Government Office Space
• Multi-Purpose Center
• Teen and/or Older Adult Center
Respondents ranked the Performing/Cultural Arts Center highest for overall support at 87%, followed by the Multi-Purpose Center at 85%. The next question asked if residents would support a tax or bond measure to fund the civic services, and 59% indicated “Yes” for the Performing/Cultural Arts Center. In a separate November 2024 Parks & Recreation community survey developed by Magellan Strategies, more than 2,000 respondents participated, with 65% expressing strong or moderate support for building a new performing arts center in Erie and 70% indicating they were very or somewhat likely to attend events there. Based on this feedback, staff engaged a consultant to explore the feasibility of constructing and operating a PAC in Erie.
As part of the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Strategic Plan update, the Town engaged Webb Mgmt and Semple Brown to assess the Performing Arts Center’s (PAC) viability, community impact, financial implications, construction costs, and operational considerations.
The feasibility process included:
• Market analysis of a 15-mile radius around Erie
Competitive and comparable facility inventory
• 29 confidential interviews and two focus groups with cultural leaders, Town staff, and residents
• Analysis of PROST questionnaire responses
Webb Mgmt and Semple Brown also advanced the PAC concept beyond the market study and needs assessment. It included developing a functional space program for a 650-seat fixed-seating theater with supplemental multi-use studio spaces, preparing capital cost estimates and an economic impact analysis, and identifying sustainable funding mechanisms and governance models to ensure long-term success.
It should be noted that according to the recent Town of Erie In-Depth Community Survey which closed on Aug. 1, 2025, 28% of respondents indicated a PAC as a high priority, 42% as a low priority, and 30% were neutral.
Staff and the consultant team are presenting these findings to Council for consideration.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☒ Attractive Community Amenities
☒ Engaged and Diverse Community
☒ Prosperous Economy
☐ Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
☐ Small Town Feel
☐ Safe and Healthy Community
☒ Effective Governance
☐ Environmentally Sustainable
☒ Fiscally Responsible
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation