From The DPAC Team

The vision for the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center remains steadfast.

The mission to build the performing arts center continues. The design team has reached another major milestone, completing 50 percent of design development drawings, which will be finished this summer.

Negotiations to resolve the shortfall of funds committed by Orange County through Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds continue. The shortfall is due to the expected decline in tourism to the region, which will delay fund availability. Overwhelming public support, specifically related to the $86+ million in philanthropy raised, convinced our elected officials that alternative strategies needed to be employed to resolve this issue.

The board and donors continue to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the original plan for this project remains intact. As a result, First United Methodist Church and the performing arts center board have completed a land sale, which allows the center to remain on the full nine-acre site. The City of Orlando has purchased the land which will, in turn, keep the project moving forward.

This project is anticipated to create over 4,000 jobs and deliver an economic impact of $240 million during the construction phase alone. Groundbreaking is planned for Spring 2010.

We appreciate the support of our board, donors, elected officials and the community and look forward to delivering a world-class performing arts center to the residents of Central Florida.

Orlandopac.org