In Thursday’s (6/23) Orlando Sentinel (Florida), David Damron writes, “Three days of celebration and open-house events start Thursday to kick off construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and boosters of the project say they plan to spend $35,000 of their own funds on the event. Arts officials say they don’t have a final total tally for the events yet because each relies heavily on donors. However, they say no taxpayers funds would be used, and most costs are expected to be covered from in-kind gifts. The $35,000 will be covered by donors, they said. A final cost will not be known until after the air-conditioned tents fold and the long line-up of artists leave. … The $383 million arts center was approved in 2007, but a crippling recession the next year dealt the project with a series of delays. Today’s groundbreaking is for the first phase of the project, which includes two of three planned halls: a 2,700-seat amplified auditorium for touring Broadway shows and a 300-seat theater for local groups.” Tenants of the Center will include the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet, and others.
Posted June 29, 2011
