Revitalized Sunken Garden Theater comes with $61 million price tag

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The Brackenridge Park Conservancy announced last week plans to invest more than $60 million in an effort to revitalize the historic Sunken Garden Theater.

The theater, originally built in 1930, has fallen into disrepair and the conversancy said the hefty facelift will include a refreshed look and updated first-class amenities while maintaining the world-class historical design.

“The Brackenridge Park Conservancy believes the time is right for the reactivation of the historic amphitheater,” said Chair of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy Board Joe Calvert. “The community has the opportunity to preserve the classical theater nestled into the old quarry before it deteriorates further and create a venue for all of us to enjoy—from community events to concerts and more.”

The $61.7 million price tag will include preservation efforts, restoration of the historic waterfall, 5,900 reserved seats, over 1,100 lawn seats with elevator and ramp access, VIP seating and lounge, professional box office, expanded venue entrance, new enclosed stage house with improved power facilities, new dressing rooms for performers as well as upgraded backstage support facilities, implementation of professional lighting and sound systems, improved loading dock and bus parking and redesigned landscaping in addition to permanent restrooms, concessions, and merchandising areas.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy said the updated Sunken Garden Theater will generate $239 million within the first ten years and is projected to create 171 full-time jobs.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of public and private sources, philanthropic funds, tax credit equity and venue operations, the conservancy said.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy will hold public meetings to discuss the renovation, but no dates are set yet. More information will be posted to brackenridgepark.org.