Continuing the momentum provided by the opening of the Amway Center, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the next big project in the queue for the region.
Construction drawings for what developers of the project are calling stages 1 and 2 have been completed. Early bid packages for site preparation services were received in August, which have also been completed. Now, responses are in from 84 final construction bid packages which were released and are currently being reviewed.
A total of 363 bids were received, and after the initial evaluation, bidders are invited for interviews to discuss the scope of work and verify the bid details. Balfour Beatty Construction will then compile the bid values and present a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal.
The leaders of the project estimate it will deliver approximately 3,000 jobs, creating an economic impact of more than $315 million for stage 1 construction alone. The poject has already generated $30 million in total contracts.
Orlando is the only major city of its size that does not have a signature performing arts and entertainment facility.
Along with the performing arts center, the two-block site located across from Orlando City Hall will accommodate new restaurants, shops and public spaces.
Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty announced that the county would pledge $130 million for the Center, and has paid $10 million. But due to the economic downturn the remaining $120 million has been delayed. The money was supposed to come from the tourism development tax, but that revenue is down. Now, the performing arts center is going to be built in stages. Project funding will come from private donors and $129 million from bonds issued by the City of Orlando in addition to $120 million already pledged.