The Flower Mound Town Council voted unanimously to approve a master services agreement and an initial service order with the Hayfer Welker / Bora design team to begin pre‑design work for a performing arts center at the Riverwalk site.

The council approved the contract after a presentation by Brian Waltenberg, Director of Public Works, who said the town-owned site is a 3.76‑acre parcel “just north of the restaurant row there on the river” and that the pre‑design phase includes “visioning, goal setting, space programming, conceptual design” and community engagement. Waltenberg said town staff is completing a traffic impact analysis, parking study and event management plan to inform the facility size and program.

The approval follows a multi‑year planning effort. Waltenberg told the council the project moved through a cultural arts master plan (2018), a business plan (2019), a feasibility review of an older park building (2022) and a decision to pursue a Riverwalk location in 2024; the town purchased the Riverwalk parcel in September 2024. He said Denton County will contribute to the project through the TIRZ funding mechanism and that the town issued an RFQ in March 2025 that drew 28 firm responses before Hofer Welker Bora was chosen.

Richard Miller, principal architect with Hafer Welker, said Bora Architects of Portland will serve as design architect and listed firm consultants including McAdams (civil), OJB (landscape), Walter P. Moore (structural) and Schuler Shook (theater planning/AV). Miller described three early conceptual site diagrams — “Park in the North,” “Big Porch” and “River Walk” — and said the pre‑design team will conduct benchmarking tours and interactive design charrettes. He told the council the pre‑design phase will last “approximately 15 weeks” and that, with later approvals, the design and construction delivery process could target completion in 2029.

Councilmembers asked about community engagement and whether a facility director should be hired during design to help shape programming. Town staff acknowledged the manager position had been deferred in the current budget year but said hiring during design or construction was likely needed and is being considered for next year’s budget.

The council approved the motion to proceed; the vote was recorded as unanimous.

Town staff said the project will be tracked online at flowermound.gov/artcenter with FAQs and updates once the agreement is fully executed.