As we move closer to achieving a premiere destination for the arts in Orlando, one thing is clear: the process that first inspired our mission remains the heart of our future development.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer & Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty re-ignited the performing arts center initiative which has been on the forefront of community discussion since 1988.
The Mayors charged Jim Pugh, Chairman of Epoch Properties Inc. and Jim Seneff, CEO of CNL Financial Inc. with heading up the effort of defining WHAT the performing arts center should be, HOW MUCH should it cost, and HOW should it be paid for?
Mayor Dyer positioned Katherine Ramsberger, former City of Orlando Cultural Affairs Director, to lead the initiative as the Executive Director.
The team conducted extensive research and consultation on the need and appropriate business approaches. In addition, the team traveled around the country to meet with other performing art center executives to identify best practices within the industry.
The Orlando Performing Arts Center Corporation, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation was established.
The initial board of directors, comprised of top community and business leaders in Central Florida, were recruited to assist with the development and creation of the Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC).
During the study phase, OPAC hired best-in-class consultants in performing arts operations, finance, and fundraising to investigate approaches and assess the viability and sustainability to develop and operate a performing arts center.
Ultimately, a "developer led" approach was selected. OPAC conducted a national search for a development partner. Hines, an internationally renowned development firm, was chosen through a public procurement process.
OPAC kicked-off a grass roots effort to engage the community in developing the arts center’s mission.
OPAC interviewed local performing arts organizations to ensure that the new performing arts center will address the needs of the multiple art based groups. Results were incorporated into the overall master plan.
A proposal of OPAC's master plan for the 9-acre site was created.
Download the 2005 Executive Summary as a PDF.
A master site and funding plan was presented to Orlando City Council and Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Approval of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) fund disbursement was granted by Orange County Tourist Development Council and the use of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds were approved by the City of Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board.
Dr. Phillips Charities donated $25 million to name the performing arts center the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center.
City of Orlando and Orange County approved the OPAC agreement on July 26.
Download the Full Presentation as a PDF.