Silver anniversary memories
Rise of the Wortham Theater Center: How it all began
Jun 2, 2012 | 4:30 pm
![News_Shelby_Dance Asian America_Lauren Anderson_Ben Stevenson_Janie Parker_Nov. 2011](https://houston.culturemap.com/media-library/news-shelby-dance-asian-america-lauren-anderson-ben-stevenson-janie-parker-nov-2011.jpg?id=30658514&width=2000&height=1500&quality=85&coordinates=36%2C0%2C234%2C0)
Photo by Jia Li
In the 1980s, everyone agreed that Houston needs a new performing arts center. Even a recession couldn't stop the Wortham Center from rising in downtown Houston.
Cizik shrewdly invested what had been raised in tax-exempt construction bonds to help bridge the gap, while the ill wind of economic recession reduced construction costs to $70 million. In the end, items slated for deferred construction – the interior of Cullen Theatre, rehearsal rooms and office space – were all finished out and covered by funds raised and re-invested. ---------------- Construction continues.