ORLANDO, FL…Today, the board of directors of the Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC) issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a development partner with experience in finance, design, programming, construction and operations to oversee the development of a multi-faceted performing arts complex, educational facilities, a public plaza, parking structures and potential commercial development. In total, more than one million square feet of space may be developed, with an estimated construction cost of approximately $250 million.

"I am very pleased with the progress of our planning process to date," said Jim Pugh, OPAC board chairman. "We have established our mission and vision for a performing arts center for our community. Now, we’re at the critical juncture of selecting a team that can streamline our planning and development process. Also, as we begin our community engagement process, this team will help us incorporate the community’s ideas and hopes for a performing arts center."

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2005, at 10 a.m. at Orlando City Hall, followed by a tour of the site, which encompasses two blocks directly across the street from City Hall. The deadline for submittals is Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at 2 p.m.

"In addition to depth of experience, the team we select must present innovative financing options for OPAC, including the capacity to secure a portion of the cost," said Jim Seneff, OPAC vice-chair.

“My hope is that our focus on a quality performing arts education will be a key element of the process," said Dick Nunis, OPAC vice-chair.

The next meeting of the OPAC Planning Board will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. at SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, on the third floor of the Park Building at 200 S. Orange Avenue. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact Rachel Kingston at 407-644-9055 or rachel@orlandopac.org.