Plans include refurbishment of the centre’s theatres along with construction of an arts education centre. A pavilion and terraced lounge will be built between the centre and the New River to connect it to the Riverwalk promenade.
Work will also include equipping the building with new seating arrangements in addition to replacement of the existing light and sound systems. A new corporate club will be built on the upper mezzanine featuring assigned seats for club members with a private glassed-enclosed club to socialise during performances. New carpeting will be laid throughout the centre.
The area around the theatre will be converted to facilitate gatherings before and after events. Peck Courtyard comprising food and drinks will be equipped with retractable awnings. The theatre’s southern portion down to the New River will feature landscaped terraces with a lounge. There will also be a two-storey pavilion along the river to serve corporate functions, banquets, receptions, wine tastings and community events.
Upgrades will further involve construction of an education centre along the western part of the facility which will comprise classroom as well as workshop area. The structure will incorporate interactive technology to enable the artists and performers to work in sync with students in classrooms around Broward County and children on-site.
About 50% of the project cost will be received in private contributions. About $16 million has already been committed by private donors with the Downtown Development Authority committing $1 million, and Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission $3.8 million. County commissioners have discussed contributing $12 million in assistance.
Construction work is expected to commence by early 2012 and be completed within 18 months.
