249 replies to this topic

[Mith242]

OnDickson, on Nov 10 2007, 07:10 PM, said:

Unfortunately, I think that some of those in charge already have 'ideas'.  I'm not saying anything is done for certain, but pay very close attention to the survey that the WAC board is conducting about future facility needs.  They just completed phase I which said that obviously NWA could support a much larger performance venue.  Now they are on to phase II which will take a look at how and where the future needs of the WAC could be met.  What you need to pay very close attention to is the wording that is used in all news articles and press releases about the survey and throughout phase I of the survey: they repeatedly and intentionally use the words 'additional facility', as opposed to 'new or renovated faciltiy'.  

On the surface that seems pretty harmless, I mean the WAC is contractually obligated to stay in Fayetteville, right?  Sort of.  Nothing prohibits them from building and operating a 'satellite' venue.  Like for example, a brand new 3000+ seat auditorium constructed in Benton County.  Look for this option to fly under the radar for a while until the board says that it will be cost prohibitive to renovate/remodel the Dickson location.  Then suddenly it will likely be presented as the best option for all concerned parties.....and just like that the 'real' WAC will be gone from Fayetteville.  Don't laugh--it's not as much of a conspiracy theory as you might think.

The only thing that might head off such a move is if the City of Fayetteville actually moves forward quickly with their planned mixed use parking facility adjacent to the current WAC.  The City knows this and for a time was working furiously to head off any attempted move by the WAC.  Unfortunately, they appear to have dropped the ball as of late.  Hopefully they will realize what is at stake and get moving on this again ASAP.  The City of Fayetteville cannot afford to let the WAC leave.

That's certainly not good news for the residents of Fayetteville.  What's even worse is that this is probably a bad time on trying to get the parking issue taken care of.  Not unless revenue starts going back up.  If this does come about this way, the city might not end up trying to do something till it's too late.  I guess the city could still make them keep the current one going.  But if a new facility is built elsewhere then we'd only end up getting the 'smaller' events.  Guess we'll just have to keep an eye out on this one.

[Mith242]

OnDickson, on Nov 10 2007, 07:10 PM, said:

Unfortunately, I think that some of those in charge already have 'ideas'.  I'm not saying anything is done for certain, but pay very close attention to the survey that the WAC board is conducting about future facility needs.  They just completed phase I which said that obviously NWA could support a much larger performance venue.  Now they are on to phase II which will take a look at how and where the future needs of the WAC could be met.  What you need to pay very close attention to is the wording that is used in all news articles and press releases about the survey and throughout phase I of the survey: they repeatedly and intentionally use the words 'additional facility', as opposed to 'new or renovated faciltiy'.  

On the surface that seems pretty harmless, I mean the WAC is contractually obligated to stay in Fayetteville, right?  Sort of.  Nothing prohibits them from building and operating a 'satellite' venue.  Like for example, a brand new 3000+ seat auditorium constructed in Benton County.  Look for this option to fly under the radar for a while until the board says that it will be cost prohibitive to renovate/remodel the Dickson location.  Then suddenly it will likely be presented as the best option for all concerned parties.....and just like that the 'real' WAC will be gone from Fayetteville.  Don't laugh--it's not as much of a conspiracy theory as you might think.

The only thing that might head off such a move is if the City of Fayetteville actually moves forward quickly with their planned mixed use parking facility adjacent to the current WAC.  The City knows this and for a time was working furiously to head off any attempted move by the WAC.  Unfortunately, they appear to have dropped the ball as of late.  Hopefully they will realize what is at stake and get moving on this again ASAP.  The City of Fayetteville cannot afford to let the WAC leave.

The City Counsel has been talking to them recently.  The Aldermen have seemed concerned over the possible relocation.  So it certainly seems you were right to be concerned.  I guess it will be a while before the study is completed.  Fayetteville seems to be taking it seriously so hopefully they'll be able to keep the WAC somewhere in the city.

[thewizard16]

Mith242, on Dec 5 2007, 03:36 PM, said:

The City Counsel has been talking to them recently.  The Aldermen have seemed concerned over the possible relocation.  So it certainly seems you were right to be concerned.  I guess it will be a while before the study is completed.  Fayetteville seems to be taking it seriously so hopefully they'll be able to keep the WAC somewhere in the city.

With the Dickson street atmosphere, I'd argue to them that it makes sense to keep it there, but the city council would probably have to help them obtain a bit of ground/allow permits for some pretty ambitious expansion. My complaints about a satellite venue aren't that they'd hurt Fayetteville or the Dickson street location, I don't think they would, but that it might water down the quality of events we're able to get in NWA at either location for a while. I think a Benton county location could certainly be a success, but short term (5-10 years maybe) two "premium" arts and entertainment venues like WAC might struggle.

[Mith242]

thewizard16, on Dec 5 2007, 06:28 PM, said:

With the Dickson street atmosphere, I'd argue to them that it makes sense to keep it there, but the city council would probably have to help them obtain a bit of ground/allow permits for some pretty ambitious expansion. My complaints about a satellite venue aren't that they'd hurt Fayetteville or the Dickson street location, I don't think they would, but that it might water down the quality of events we're able to get in NWA at either location for a while. I think a Benton county location could certainly be a success, but short term (5-10 years maybe) two "premium" arts and entertainment venues like WAC might struggle.

I'm not sure if a Benton County location would get 'watered down'.  There's already a lot of people from Benton County who donate to the WAC.  I suppose maybe there might be a little more if the main location was actually located in Benton County.  But I do think Fayetteville could be a hurt a bit if it were the smaller satellite location.

[zman9810]

Here's the link where Walton Arts Center's future was discussed with the city council. It sounds like the decision hasn't been made yet but the WAC board needs something from the city to convince it to expand in Fayetteville. It's encouraging to read that the city council is in agreement that whatever it takes to keep it in Fayetteville needs to be done. That is exactly the sentiment that needs to be expresssed and acted upon as WAC is too important to the Dickson Street area in particular and Fayetteville in general to let slip away.

I was surprised parking didn't come up (or at least it wasn't reported that it did). I imagine building a deck is a major concern of the WAC board. It's been a long while since I've seen the deck discussed. Even with the budget shortfall a deck is too important to put on the back burner.
Times article

[Mith242]

zman9810, on Dec 6 2007, 12:40 AM, said:

Here's the link where Walton Arts Center's future was discussed with the city council. It sounds like the decision hasn't been made yet but the WAC board needs something from the city to convince it to expand in Fayetteville. It's encouraging to read that the city council is in agreement that whatever it takes to keep it in Fayetteville needs to be done. That is exactly the sentiment that needs to be expresssed and acted upon as WAC is too important to the Dickson Street area in particular and Fayetteville in general to let slip away.

I was surprised parking didn't come up (or at least it wasn't reported that it did). I imagine building a deck is a major concern of the WAC board. It's been a long while since I've seen the deck discussed. Even with the budget shortfall a deck is too important to put on the back burner.
Times article

Yeah, it is nice to see the city realizing how important it is and seemingly willing to do what it takes to keep it here.  Of course I guess the WAC is still waiting for it's study to be completed.  That's when I guess we'll really see what's going on.

[thewizard16]

Good points all around. I certainly hope WAC stays (or at least keeps a location) where it is now, it's nice to have that close, but I can certainly see why expansion would be in their best interests. Personally, I think a remodel/expansion of the current facility would be great, and if they need a satellite location as well, put it at the north end (Bentonville/Rogers) and make an effort to use that to redevelop or improve one of those downtowns.

[Mith242]

thewizard16, on Dec 6 2007, 08:33 AM, said:

Good points all around. I certainly hope WAC stays (or at least keeps a location) where it is now, it's nice to have that close, but I can certainly see why expansion would be in their best interests. Personally, I think a remodel/expansion of the current facility would be great, and if they need a satellite location as well, put it at the north end (Bentonville/Rogers) and make an effort to use that to redevelop or improve one of those downtowns.

I guess I've just always thought they'd built a larger stage and secondary stage together in the same building.  But I couldn't complain too much if they decided to locate a satellite location in Benton County.  I'm just hoping we can keep the main location here in Fayetteville.

[CellarDoor135]

Mith242, on Dec 6 2007, 02:14 PM, said:

I guess I've just always thought they'd built a larger stage and secondary stage together in the same building.  But I couldn't complain too much if they decided to locate a satellite location in Benton County.  I'm just hoping we can keep the main location here in Fayetteville.

Has anyone ever pondered the thought that maybe there was never any consideration to move the facility outside of Fayetteville and that maybe this was just a way to get the parking situation taken care of on Dickson for the center? I mean, it worked and it's really not a bad idea.

Edited by CellarDoor135, 23 January 2008 - 10:04 PM.

[zman9810]

CellarDoor135, on Jan 23 2008, 10:02 PM, said:

Has anyone ever pondered the thought that maybe there was never any consideration to move the facility outside of Fayetteville and that maybe this was just a way to get the parking situation taken care of on Dickson for the center? I mean, it worked and it's really not a bad idea.

I feel more like the decision to move may have already been made and they are releasing the information slowly to let Fayetteville get used to the idea. Fayetteville's moves on the parking might get them to reconsider but only if the talk becomes action. The name "Walton" gives a big clue as to what is driving the situation. The building of Crystal Bridges by Alice Walton, the plans for a 3,000 seat theater at the museum site and the growth of Benton County in population and wealth all are factors pointing to a possible move.

Hopefully Fayetteville's leaders and the University of Arkansas can come up with a plan and follow through on it so that we can keep the Walton Arts Center's main facility in town. This is another time where the nature of Northwest Arkansas hurts it- multiple cities of similar size vying for the same prize.

[shaddo]

zman9810, on Jan 24 2008, 01:00 AM, said:

I feel more like the decision to move may have already been made and they are releasing the information slowly to let Fayetteville get used to the idea. Fayetteville's moves on the parking might get them to reconsider but only if the talk becomes action. The name "Walton" gives a big clue as to what is driving the situation. The building of Crystal Bridges by Alice Walton, the plans for a 3,000 seat theater at the museum site and the growth of Benton County in population and wealth all are factors pointing to a possible move.

Hopefully Fayetteville's leaders and the University of Arkansas can come up with a plan and follow through on it so that we can keep the Walton Arts Center's main facility in town. This is another time where the nature of Northwest Arkansas hurts it- multiple cities of similar size vying for the same prize.

With all the talk of an "experience economy" being the buzz around town it would be a real shame to sit back and see a larger performing arts facility built anywhere but at the WAC current location.  With all due respect, regardless of how much growth Fayetteville's sister cities have seen and no matter how much "dickson envy" they may have, Fayetteville IS and WILL BE the cultural center of NWA.  The UofA has a lot to do with this.  The political make-up has something to do with this as well, as does the historical, funkiness that Fayetteville has at its core.  The citizens, politicians, power brokers, school leaders, businessmen and businesswomen, and any one else with a pulse should rally right here and now to not only keep WAC in Fayetteville but also raise the funds by any and all means necessary to expand the facility to the point that it will continue to draw the entire region to downtown Fayetteville.

There is a feasibility study being conducted currently to consider the best location for an expanded facility.  Why would there be any consideration to go up north?  The argument is being made that the population growth is expected to hit exponential proportions in coming decades in Benton County.  With this argument there are those who say Benton County should have its own facility.   Years ago we adopted the notion that a regional airport would best serve our region.  That place is now in Benton County.  Although Drake field was nice to fly out of, the entire region has adopted XNA as our airport.  We don't try to now have our own to compete with XNA.  The comparison is obvious.  The WAC in Fayetteville should be the PLACE for the performing arts in NWA.  If we had a feasibility to say the UofA would be best served to move to Tulsa would we do it?  If Wal-Mart suggested that Dallas was a better place to serve its customers needs would we just say "oh well"?  I think not...Let's rally the troops to expand WAC now!

[Mith242]

shaddo, on Feb 21 2008, 11:52 PM, said:

With all the talk of an "experience economy" being the buzz around town it would be a real shame to sit back and see a larger performing arts facility built anywhere but at the WAC current location.  With all due respect, regardless of how much growth Fayetteville's sister cities have seen and no matter how much "dickson envy" they may have, Fayetteville IS and WILL BE the cultural center of NWA.  The UofA has a lot to do with this.  The political make-up has something to do with this as well, as does the historical, funkiness that Fayetteville has at its core.  The citizens, politicians, power brokers, school leaders, businessmen and businesswomen, and any one else with a pulse should rally right here and now to not only keep WAC in Fayetteville but also raise the funds by any and all means necessary to expand the facility to the point that it will continue to draw the entire region to downtown Fayetteville.

There is a feasibility study being conducted currently to consider the best location for an expanded facility.  Why would there be any consideration to go up north?  The argument is being made that the population growth is expected to hit exponential proportions in coming decades in Benton County.  With this argument there are those who say Benton County should have its own facility.   Years ago we adopted the notion that a regional airport would best serve our region.  That place is now in Benton County.  Although Drake field was nice to fly out of, the entire region has adopted XNA as our airport.  We don't try to now have our own to compete with XNA.  The comparison is obvious.  The WAC in Fayetteville should be the PLACE for the performing arts in NWA.  If we had a feasibility to say the UofA would be best served to move to Tulsa would we do it?  If Wal-Mart suggested that Dallas was a better place to serve its customers needs would we just say "oh well"?  I think not...Let's rally the troops to expand WAC now!

Yeah I think the biggest thing is to be proactive and do whatever it takes to keep the main facility of the WAC in Fayetteville.  Which Fayetteville does seem to be doing a good job.  But while I do think having the U of A will help keep Fayetteville an important cultural area I'm not going to be so quick to say Fayetteville will always be THE cultural center of NWA.  A decade ago I don't think we would have foreseen just how quickly lost it's roll as being the 'center' of NWA for everything.  I think the biggest thing is that we can't be complacent.  The other NWA cities want their 'share' and aren't just going to let Fayetteville dominate anything anymore.

[shaddo]

Mith242, on Feb 22 2008, 05:05 AM, said:

Yeah I think the biggest thing is to be proactive and do whatever it takes to keep the main facility of the WAC in Fayetteville. Which Fayetteville does seem to be doing a good job. But while I do think having the U of A will help keep Fayetteville an important cultural area I'm not going to be so quick to say Fayetteville will always be THE cultural center of NWA. A decade ago I don't think we would have foreseen just how quickly lost it's roll as being the 'center' of NWA for everything. I think the biggest thing is that we can't be complacent. The other NWA cities want their 'share' and aren't just going to let Fayetteville dominate anything anymore.

"Ditto" on being proactive.  I too believe that other parts of NWA deserve their highpoints.  For one, I think Crystal Bridges is awesome.  I commend Alice Walton for spending her money on something that will be enjoyed by the public for years to come.  I am not jealous in the least that Bentonville will have this facility.  I will not complain that it will take 30 minutes to drive there.  It will be a great regional museum located in Bentonville.  The Walton Arts Center should be the same...a terrific regional facility (expanded and improved) that is located in Fayetteville.

[masons_dad1]

Dickson Street is the ideal location for the WAC and the center for the arts in NWA. Dickson Street just has much more potential for urban growth than any of the sister cities and the arts require urban growth to sustain it. Crystal Bridges in Bentonville will be a great art museum, but it won't be a full blown arts center like the WAC. Besides, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville have small performing arts centers so they aren't exactly hurting because the WAC is in Fayetteville.

[shaddo]

masons_dad1, on Feb 22 2008, 12:36 PM, said:

Dickson Street is the ideal location for the WAC and the center for the arts in NWA. Dickson Street just has much more potential for urban growth than any of the sister cities and the arts require urban growth to sustain it. Crystal Bridges in Bentonville will be a great art museum, but it won't be a full blown arts center like the WAC. Besides, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville have small performing arts centers so they aren't exactly hurting because the WAC is in Fayetteville.

Before we take up all the land around WAC for new development shouldn't we program what the Walton Art Center needs first?  We get one shot at maintaining the arts here and forever to regret "sleeping at the wheel".

[masons_dad1]

shaddo, on Feb 23 2008, 03:02 PM, said:

Before we take up all the land around WAC for new development shouldn't we program what the Walton Art Center needs first?  We get one shot at maintaining the arts here and forever to regret "sleeping at the wheel".

I agree. There should be a master plan for the Dickson Street Arts District to protect areas around the WAC for future land use. The city should be examining other city arts districts for ideas. There are some really good examples out there.

[Mith242]

There's still the land Barber owns for what was going to be the Divinity.  

[Snaple4]

ROGERS : Site at Pinnacle Hills offered for arts center  
http://www.nwanews.c...dg/News/219737/


Yeah, Just what I always wanted... For the Horrible, life sucking arts center that we have in the heart of our economy and community to be moved to another town that is obviously not yelling "SPRAWL PEOPLE SPRAWL"...

On a serious note, I really hope our Political system and the UofA make a sincere effort to make the WAC an offer they would not want to refuse. Is downtown Fayetteville so bad that no large entity wants to be in it? FHS, Courthouse, Police Station, WAC, Jail.....

[Mith242]

Snaple4, on Mar 15 2008, 10:04 AM, said:

ROGERS : Site at Pinnacle Hills offered for arts center  
http://www.nwanews.c...dg/News/219737/


Yeah, Just what I always wanted... For the Horrible, life sucking arts center that we have in the heart of our economy and community to be moved to another town that is obviously not yelling "SPRAWL PEOPLE SPRAWL"...

On a serious note, I really hope our Political system and the UofA make a sincere effort to make the WAC an offer they would not want to refuse. Is downtown Fayetteville so bad that no large entity wants to be in it? FHS, Courthouse, Police Station, WAC, Jail.....

I think we all knew other cities were going to offer up possible locations.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Bentonville offer yet another location itself.  Everything I've seen seems to show Fayetteville doing all it can to keep the main facility in the city.  I think it's just going to come down to what the WAC wants to do.

[zman9810]

I imagine the third phase of the study that looks at funding will be the deciding factor as to where the center is located even if it isn't promoted that way. It may sound cynical but money talks- if the Benton County powers-that-be refuse to support a location other than Benton County it may come down to that. Hopefully I'm wrong and the obvious best choice of location (the present area) will be chosen for an expansion. It would be interesting to hear how the talks between Signet, the WAC representatives and the City of Fayetteville are going - it's been rather quiet lately.