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Saban Center
Updated Mar 08 2023
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Summary
Saban Center will unite Ignite (formerly Children's Hands-On Museum or CHOM), the Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre, and the State of Alabama in a unique public-private partnership. The project was catalyzed by generous donations from Nick and Terry Saban and their non-profit organization, Nick's Kids Foundation. Featuring STEAM programs, interactive learning, and a state STEM hub for local and regional school districts, Saban Center will be an anchor downtown near the riverfront.
Work began with the completion of a master plan for the facility. Each participating organization determined requirements and needs for their new space. Research was conducted to establish best practices from the top educational centers in the nation. Ongoing work includes architectural design efforts, a capital fundraising campaign, and business/operational analysis and planning. Future phases will include construction, exhibit fabrication, and installation of furnishings before the building opens to the public.
River District Park is intended to serve as an outdoor extension of the Saban Center by allowing additional programming opportunities.
Goals and Impact
Deliver immersive STEAM educational experiences and programs
Unite beloved local organizations to provide unique opportunities for children and families
Provide professional development to Alabama educators in STEM curriculum
Timeline
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Key Milestones & Events
Completed:
October 2019: property purchased
August 2021: Nick's Kids Avenue Street Renaming Jubilee (more info here)
October 2021: Audrey Buck named temporary Director of the Saban Center (more info here)
April 2022: contracted for program management and owner's representative services with Volkert and The Projects Group
May 2022: master plan unveiled (more info here)
November 2022: contracted for architectural and related design services with Davis Architects and Steinberg Hart
Up Next:
Complete design documents
Select a construction management firm
Complete silent phase of the capital fundraising campaign
Project Materials
Financial Information
Costs
Cost Summary
Spent:
$10,429,720
Approved:
$10,486,211
Budget:
Pending Planning/Design
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Spent: The amount paid on this project to-date.
Approved: The amount that has been approved by the City Council to be spent for a specific contract or purpose on this project. In city accounting terms, this is spent + encumbered.
Budget: The total amount of money that the City expects to be spent to complete this project. This amount is only finalized once sufficient planning on the project has been completed.
Cost Details
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund: City funds dedicated to Elevate Tuscaloosa which are allocated to this project.
Other City Funds: City funds from non-Elevate Tuscaloosa sources allocated to this project.
External Funding: Amounts from sources outside of the city, such as grants, or donations from citizens or private companies.
Overall Funding
Funding Summary
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund:
$13,188,323
Other City Funds:
$0
External Funding:
$2,000,000
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