Tobin Center set to open in just under 2 years
Construction on-schedule, on-budget
The future look of the Tobin Center promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
"When this project is finished, it’ll be the most beautiful building in San Antonio," remarked former Mayor Phil Hardberger, who toured the facility on Wednesday.
One and half years into construction, the Tobin Center is still two years away from opening its doors.
Work remained at a frenzied pace on Wednesday, with the building’s steel frame set to be complete by December.
"It’s going to raise our local performing arts group to another level,” added County Judge Nelson Wolff, who also toured the center.
With a design set to maximize acoustics, local ballet, opera, and symphony will all utilize the Tobin Center.
"It’s not all going to be high-brow stuff. Maybe we can get Willie Nelson here one day, whoever we want. Our chances of getting that person or that performance are greatly increased,” said Hardberger.
The project comes with a price tag of $203 million, but organizers said Wednesday that it was on-budget and on-schedule, with a grand opening set for September 2014.
"Of the $203 million, we're 91 percent funded of date,” said Bruce Bugg, chairman of the Bexar County Performing Arts Foundation, who is heading up the project.
Funding comes from a mix of county bond money, city-donated land, and private funds. Enough private backing has been raised to now pay for a state-of-the-art seating system, the first of its kind in the United States.
"At the press of a button, in 15 minutes, all those seats will fold underneath, and we can literally go to a flat-floor configuration,” said Bugg.
According to organizers, acts are already being booked for the venue once it opens.
Images: Tobin Center remodel
The future look of the Tobin Center promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
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