Austin Playhouse Purchases 2.8 Acre Lot On East Anderson Lane
On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, Austin Playhouse closed on a 2.8 acre site at 1717 E. Anderson Lane, along the 183 frontage road in Northeast Austin. The building site will be developed into a home for the veteran professional theatre as well as serving as a rental facility for other arts organizations. The purchase price of $1,280,664 was primarily funded by a $1 million anonymous contribution and a bridge loan from Comerica Bank.
Austin Playhouse relaunched their Building Campaign in November 2018 after securing a $1 million lead contribution. The campaign goal is to raise $700,000 by completion of construction, with the campaign continuing until the construction loan is repaid. While Austin Playhouse has waited to begin actively soliciting contributions until a site was secured, over $50,000 has already been contributed since the announcement of the $1 million gift.
Austin Playhouse’s architect is Scott Ginder of Forge Craft Architecture. Bids have been received from civil engineers and one will be engaged next week. The permitting process is expected to last up to six months with ground breaking estimated for late 2019. Austin Playhouse will remain in their ACC Highland location for the 2019-2020 season. Their current lease with ACC Highland is through June 2021.
