Vision 2020 plans to build downtown stage by May
Published 4:28 pm Saturday, April 6, 2013
Downtown Austin will likely have a spot for live music soon.
Vision 2020 organizers and the Riverland Community College carpentry program will likely complete the downtown Austin plaza stage by the end of May, if all goes well.
Vision 2020 announced its timeline to complete the project this week, as Riverland students will tackle the project starting April 15 and could be done by mid-May, if the weather cooperates. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening, May 31.
“We’re giving ourselves a little cushion,” said Laura Helle, director of creative vision for Vision 2020.
Helle said organizers will close Main Street from Second to Fourth Avenue North for a dedication ceremony and related, “street fair atmosphere” happenings.
The stage should see plenty of use this summer, as the Austin Downtown Alliance is bringing back Tuesdays on Main this year. Starting June 4, stores will be open along Main Street while musical guests from all backgrounds, including country, alternative rock, gospel, jazz, blues, and more play from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 27.
“It’s a nice little break in the middle of the week,” said Kiersten Hall, ADA president. Hall said the event will bring out many downtown businesses, and is already drawing positive feedback and anticipation.
“People are very excited about it,” she said.
The stage will likely see other uses as well throughout the summer, one reason why Helle and other Vision 2020 organizers were keen to have it finished beforehand.
“It’s awfully nice to know it’s going to get used right away and become part of the community,” Helle said.
Local residents and businesses have raised more than $3,000 for the project, and two large grants are pending. The stage is expected to cost $35,000 to build.