“The unveiling of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center’s design marks a defining moment in our history,” said performing arts center Chairman Jim Pugh. “The completion of schematic design is the first step toward establishing a multicultural hub for artistic excellence in Central Florida and a civic center that will foster urban transformation and community pride. The building is also carefully designed to provide the best possible home for Orlando’s regional arts groups and arts education, as well as a desirable destination for Floridians and tourists.”

More than 330,000 sq. ft. in size, the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center will include two grand performance halls, a community theater, outdoor plaza and performance space, rehearsal rooms, administrative offices and an educational programming space. The center will be located at the heart of a nine-acre urban mixed-use development which will include a variety of culture, commerce, retail, hospitality and residential facilities.

"Today’s design unveil is a prelude to what this community has been asking for – a world class performing arts center,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “This spectacular design will bring new energy, new excitement and new investment into our downtown core."

The arts center’s design architect, Los Angeles-based Barton Myers and Associates, has designed a number of performing arts centers, including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J., the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Ariz., and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, Calif. Myers’ award-winning architectural designs are considered to be among the finest in the world.

To create a design that would meet the needs of the Central Florida community, the specialized design team performed in-depth observation and research of the city of Orlando, its people, and its surroundings. After touring facilities and historic landmarks, the team created a design inspired by the city’s natural environment, culture and architecture.

“We chose to create a hybrid design that would balance the center’s unique structure with a welcoming atmosphere,” said Myers. To avoid creating a feeling of isolation among residents and visitors, the team was careful to integrate pedestrian and vehicular patterns and be respectful of the city’s character.

“To produce a successful design, it was also crucial for us to engage the brightest minds in their respective fields of expertise,” said Kathy Ramsberger, performing arts center president.

Throughout the design process, those invited to participate in various reviews included performing arts center executives, technology, back of house, and food and beverage experts. Greater Orlando arts groups and the center’s performing arts partners were also invited to review and provide feedback on the program and design.

“This process has allowed us to ensure that the arts center will rise to the highest standards, be as functional as possible, and foster fiscal and environmental sustainability,” said Ramsberger.

The next step in the arts center’s development process is the design development phase, followed by construction. The center is expected to break ground in 2009, with completion slated for 2012.