Council reviews proposed capital upgrades to Addison Performing Arts Center and nonprofit funding allocations

Town staff presented a three-year capital investment program for the Addison Performing Arts Center and recommended FY2026 operating and grant allocations to local performing-arts and nonprofit groups.
The APAC multi-year proposal totals roughly $685,000 across 2026-2028. Year-one items presented for FY2026 include restroom renovations and safety railings and a new Marley stage floor; later years include a new moveable seating system, secure storage for sound equipment, and back-of-house dressing-room upgrades.
David (staff) said the planned, phased approach aims to spread cost over several years; councilmembers asked whether some plumbing-focused items could be bundled to reduce contractor mobilization costs and whether the town should accelerate some elements given available hotel-fund reserves.
The council's community partnership committee recommended funding for a slate of performing-arts and social-service organizations under the hotel fund and the town's nonprofit partnership program. Staff recommended continuing WaterTower Theatre funding (cash + in-kind production support), supporting a new studio resident company (Outcry Theatre), and adding smaller grants to other local arts and service groups. The committee also recommended awards to Metrocrest Services, Addison Arbor Foundation and a new Jewish Family Services presence in Addison.
Council direction and next steps: several councilmembers asked staff to return with a compressed cost estimate for key plumbing work and a matching-grant option for WaterTower Theatre to encourage fundraising and reduce long-term town subsidy. Staff will update the proposed CIP and grant agreements for the next budget work session.