Arts facilities located in downtown areas provide economic benefits to the communities that build and support them. Studies show that most Americans patronize live theaters, galleries, and other arts facilities when they are available and these patrons support nearby restaurant and retail shops by spending much more than the price of their theater tickets in outside businesses (see chart at right).

Well-planned arts facilities also bring prestige to a community, telling the world that it is a good place to live and raise a family. They also provide an additional quality-of-life asset to help attract businesses to the area.  This leads to increased property values and a strong demand for services.

The demand for high quality artistic venues in Pleasanton has continued to grow as the city grows. Pleasanton simply does not have enough of these venues to accommodate the many programs that the community wants and needs. A research study, commissioned by the City of Pleasanton in 2001, reported that the City needs additional public arts facilities, including (in priority order):

• Rehearsal space
  
• Art gallery
  
• Educational classrooms
  
• 200-seat flexible theater
  
• 800-seat theater
  
• 1,000 seat outdoor performance venue

The new Firehouse Arts Center gives the city a unique, much needed arts venue with diverse appeal that will be well used by residents of all ages. It will allow residents to enjoy arts and cultural programs and events without leaving our community.