The City of Hoover is continuing conversations with owners of the Patton Creek shopping center to include an art center in their new multi-use development area that is currently in the works according to Hoover mayor Frank Brocato.

Late last fall the city said they were working with Patton Creek to include the Hoover Center for the Arts, a $50 million facility that local art lovers say can’t come soon enough.

“I’m so elated about the art center construction in Hoover because it’s so important to have a space where artistic expression can be displayed in many forms and it very vital that our youth have places like this to encourage & promote their creativity,” said local artist Tiffine Daniels.

Brocato said the art center is the city’s main priority but continued that the entire project would be a mix of commercial and residential development. This could include apartments, dining spaces, recreational spaces, a theater, and a performance hall according to previous statements made by Hoover City Administrator Allan Rice to ABC 33/40 reporter Erin Wise.

“Right now our big focus is on performing arts,” said Brocato. “That’s the piece that we have that will belong to the city.”