MADISON, Wis. -- Madison's Jerry Frautschi has already donated $100 million for the downtown Overture project, now he is donating more.

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Frautschi will foot the bill for the entire Overture center -- $205 million.

Overture Foundation president George Austin disclosed the cost of the project for the first time Thursday, saying Frautschi has committed to paying the whole amount.

Frautschi issued a statement saying donated the money because he loves Madison and wants the downtown to again be a vibrant place, full of life and cultural arts opportunities.

"Ever since the need for improved cultural arts spaces was identified, I felt this was something I wanted to help make a reality," his statement reads. "In order to address those identified needs and to create high quality performance and exhibition spaces, I made this gift to Madison." ( Read Full Statement )

Frautschi's donation to the Overture Project is the largest individual gift to a performing arts center project in the United States.

He has also made three other recent contributions to local arts organizations:

Madison Children's Museum$5 million

Bartell Community Theater $500,000

Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission Program $100,000/year

The first phase of the Overture Project is scheduled to open in seven weeks.

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