Houston County Schools hired an architect to design a proposed 3,000-seat cultural center on Cohen Walker Drive with an estimated cost of $37 million.
HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — People in Houston County could have a place to see performances from local to national shows in just five years.
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Houston County School District approved an architect to draw up plans for a new cultural center.
Perry Theatre alumna Xzandria Armstrong says it could not come soon enough, especially since her daughter is exploring theater.
“I think having that opportunity to have that space so that I don’t necessarily have to go to Macon,” Armstrong said.
She noted her daughter’s excitement for an upcoming school production.
“I know that they are doing an 8th grade play that they do every year. So I know Ava’s super excited about this 8th grade play,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong says the venue could be more than just an outlet for kids.
“I think that’s gonna bring a lot of opportunities right here in Houston County,” Armstrong said.
So far, the Board of Education only approved an architect, meaning there are no plans drawn. But the county website says the venue will have 3,000 seats and an estimated price tag of $37 million. $20 million will come from the county SPLOST, and $17 million from the school district’s E-SPLOST.
Armstrong says it’s worth it because the center will bring money into the county.
“If they are going to foster the future, this $37 million is gonna definitely be an investment,” Armstrong said.
The county’s capital improvement plan shows funds going to the center from 2027 to 2030 from the 2024 SPLOST. The intended location is Cohen Walker Drive, near the Aquatic Center.
The school district hired Robertson Loia Roof from Alpharetta to design the plans.