Hefty construction next door amid the changing face of the Convention Center area of downtown led to rumors that this oft-used theatre space, owned by the American Institute of Learning, was soon to be another mere memory in the increasingly embittered consciousness of theatregoers. But the truth is that while AIL is moving offices into the area, plans for the bare-bones stage are still open. It is possible the space may close, but that looks unlikely, at least through the spring of 2000, which means more small independent companies such as Flame Failure Productions and Austin Script Works will still have the Fourth Street stage as a possible production venue.