While Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center doesn’t have a list of projects at the ready, its director doesn’t want to be left out of a potential Vision renewal.
John Scott told city officials the 40-year-old building is in need of work above and beyond his annual budget, and a consulting firm is currently evaluating what needs to be done.
"They hope to have a report available later in the fall, certainly in time for inclusion on the Vision list," Scott said.
PAC Trust Chair Stanton Doyle said technical aspects like the theaters’ sound and lighting are more than ready for an overhaul.
"I mean, the technology has just blown up in the last 10 years," Doyle said. "I'm not sure exactly when the last time it was updated, but LED technology, you know, is growing fast, and implementing some of those systems would also help with efficiency."
When asked how the PAC fits the councils goals for a Vision renewal, Doyle said city leaders need to see the facility as a regional and local anchor.
"There's nowhere else you can go — in this area — you can go to see a Broadway play, to see the opera, symphony or ballet," Doyle said. "There's a lot of talk about downtown development in recent years and the explosive growth down here. The PAC was one of the original draws."
The PAC got a double whammy last year. It took a 16 percent cut in its allocation of hotel tax funds and saw a decrease in general fund appropriations.
