AMOA Unveils plan for
New Downtown Building
Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) unveils a rendering of the new multi-purpose development across from Republic Square Park that will allow the Museum to better serve its audiences and contribute to the vitality of the urban core.
A $3 million lead gift from Bettye H. & William C. Nowlin was announced. AMOA anticipates a campaign of approximately $23 million to cover hard and soft construction costs, transition expenses, and an increase of $2 million to the operating endowment. Funds already committed for the new project total 60 percent of the overall goal, and are comprised of donations remaining from the previous campaigns, the sale of the land, the Nowlin's lead gift, and several anonymous gifts, leaving just over $9 million for AMOA to reach their goal.
By doubling the space devoted to exhibition and educational spaces, the new downtown facility will allow AMOA to increase the size, frequency, and variety of art on view, and expand educational programs for school children, families, and adults.
The new Museum building will be developed in partnership with international developer Hines and noted architect Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.
“With its permanent home, AMOA will join other key new civic facilities including the new airport, convention center, city hall, performing arts center, and eventually a new main library. These key achievements signal that together we are reaching a new stage in our development as a city, and in the ways Austin serves our citizens and visitors.” said Dana Friis-Hansen, AMOA’s Executive Director. “We’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in our current location, but it’s time for us to move out of a temporary renovated space in a former bank building to a new home that will address the growing demand for the visual arts in the region.”
images courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
AMOA Fact Sheet
| FEATURE |
CURRENT AMOA |
FUTURE AMOA |
|
Year Constructed |
1970 |
2011 |
|
Location |
9th & Congress Ave. |
4th & Guadalupe Street |
|
Developer/Design Team |
XXXX |
Hines/Pelli Clarke Pelli |
|
Total
Square Footage |
16,000 |
40,000 |
|
Exhibition
Square Footage |
4,500 |
10,000 |
|
Education
Square Footage |
1,400 |
2,900 |
|
Audience Served |
290,000 |
435,000
(50% increase through downtown Art School classes, diverse and increased programs) |
|
Design/Building Features |
Renovated space in a
former bank lobby |
- Open to Republic
Square Park - Adjacent to Museum Tower, a 30-story, 425,000 square foot office building
- Space for public art
surrounding the building - Room for future expansion
|
|
Site Functionality |
- 4 shows per year, with museum closed for exhibition changes 8 weeks a year
- Standing room only inside for public educational programs
- Entrance size and configuration limits scale of artwork and exhibitions
able to be shown - Parking is available
but limited |
- 8-10 shows per year, with museum open with art on display year round
- Classrooms on site to expand educational and cultural programming for school
children and adults - Loading dock and ample door space to accommodate higher quality and larger shows
- Ample parking in
Museum Tower garage |
|
