Sugar Land set to build $74M performance space

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- If you live in or near Sugar Land, you will soon have a new place at which you can see concerts and other live entertainment.

Sugar Land City Council has approved a $74.3 Million maximum price for the 40-acre indoor venue which will be built just southeast of U.S. Highway 59 and University Boulevard. A graphic representation of the projected space shows the name "ACE CENTER SUGAR LAND."

It will be able to seat up to 6,430 but is designed for maximum flexibility with movable walls that developers call "innovative." The facility will be able to expand or contract, allowing for bigger shows or more intimate settings down to 3,300 seats.

"This new performance venue will allow residents of Sugar Land and the surrounding area to experience a level of live entertainment that until now has not been available, " said ACE Theatrical Group Chairman Allen Becker.

The event space, according to a release, will host a variety of performances, from music and comedy to theatrical performances and performing arts attractions. Retail, office, commercial and residential areas and a hotel and conference center are also envisioned for the space, according to the release.

The City of Sugar Land says a 2008 market analysis and feasibility study, updated in 2012, found the Houston market did not have a 6,500 seat live entertainment venue and that the market would financially support one. The total economic impact of the project annually is estimated to be over $26 million dollars.

Specially designated sales tax revenues and restricted hotel occupancy tax funds will be used to fund the project, according to the release. Sugar Land's partner, ACE, made a $10-million equity contribution to the project.