ORLANDO, Fla. – Commissioners in Orange County are beginning initial discussions of a proposal that will secure funding to complete the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
In a memo to county leaders, Mayor Teresa Jacobs outlined a plan to secure $45 million needed to finish Phase II of the project, which includes the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall.
Jacobs said without commitment of additional funding, construction cost would increase and there could be a loss of private funding.
"With each passing year, it's become more expensive. There are constant needs for code changes and permit changes," Jacobs said.
The performing arts center was originally scheduled for completion in 2012, but a decrease in tourist revenue from the recession forced the project to be split.
After two years of what she called tremendous support, Jacobs said now is the time to complete the vision.
"It really is the heart of Orlando," Jacobs said. "It's way more than a beautiful building."
The proposal calls for the additional funding to come from the tourist development tax, which includes $20 million that was originally allocated for the Orlando City soccer stadium. Construction on the stadium is now privately funded.
The plan also proposes an option to fund other priorities in the near term. The extra funding from the option could be used for additional tourism promotion, marketing or other priorities.