Dr. Phillips Center poised to get $19M more from tourist tax
Orange County’s Tourist Development Council has unanimously recommended giving the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts another $19 million from the tourist-development tax.
The money would be used to make up a $9 million funding gap from the state, ensure construction of the downtown arts center’s final theater has enough contingency money for unexpected costs, and fund some practical features for the final phase of construction that will improve theatergoers’ experience in the new Steinmetz Hall.
Dr. Phillips Center president Kathy Ramsberger presented the spending plan for the $19 million to the council on Friday morning, though county staff had already consulted with center officials on the request.
The council’s recommendation will have to be approved by the board of county commissioners.
Steinmetz Hall, which will
cost $237 million to build, is scheduled to open in less than a year. The specially designed venue will receive the highest rating for acoustic sound quality when completed and will be able to transform from a 1,700-seat concert hall to a 1,500-seat more traditional theater.
The tourist tax, which comes from a 6 percent levy on stays at hotels and other lodgings, already has contributed $207.4 million to construction of the center — more than a third of the total price tag of $606 million.
The city of Orlando has contributed the largest share — $215 million — with $20 million coming from the state and $1 million from the city of Winter Park. The center has raised $149.2 million through donations and needs to raise $1 million more toward construction costs.
“From a business perspective, we feel solid in our approach and our plan,” Ramsberger said of how the latest $19 million from the tourist-tax fund would be used. Here’s a breakdown:
■ State funding shortfall: $9 million. The Florida Legislature had approved funding in fiscal year 2016-17 for about $5 million to the University of Central Florida and the arts center, in conjunction with the UCF Celebrates the Arts festival, which takes place at the Dr. Phillips Center. It also allocated subsequent payments of nearly $4 million per year. Although the first $5 million was received, the subsequent payments did not materialize after the Legislature later reallocated the money.
■ Practical features: $4 million. Much of this money would go to building an extra corridor along the edge of Steinmetz Hall to alleviate traffic flow. The extra hallway would make it faster and easier for patrons to enter and exit the theater; it would also help staff move food and beverage items through the center — as well as large items such as pianos. Joyce and Judson Green, philanthropists who have donated $5 million toward construction of an intimate performance space called the Green Room, have contributed an additional $1 million toward this project.
The money would also be used for better exterior landscaping and walkways around the building.
■ Restoring previous cuts: $4 million. As the cost of Steinmetz Hall grew, some of its features were cut from the budget. This additional money would allow some to be restored. Among them: higher-quality theatrical lighting, other infrastructure needed for more elaborate productions and audio and visual recording equipment. The center hopes to raise $9 million itself to offset other cuts, making a total goal of $10 million for the center still to raise toward construction.
■ Contingency fund: $2 million. This is money set aside in case of unexpected price hikes in building materials such as concrete or other unexpected costs discovered during construction.
Ramsberger stressed the prestige of Steinmetz Hall, which is scheduled to open in September.
“We have people coming here to see what we’re building,” she said.
The board of county commissioners is expected to vote on the allocation at its January meeting.