RENDERING VIA WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE FACEBOOK PAGE
Winter Park Playhouse (Website) has officially secured its longtime space at 711 North Orange Avenue [GMap] as its permanent home. The City of Winter Park is working with Orange County to complete the purchase using tourism development tax funds. The nonprofit theater has operated in that building for more than two decades.
The deal ends years of uncertainty for the playhouse, which faced the possibility of losing its venue when the property owners announced plans to sell. The city and county cited the playhouse’s cultural and economic value, which draws approximately 30,000 guests annually and generates an estimated $2 million in economic impact, in support of the purchase.
The $8 million allocation covers the purchase of the property and planned renovations. Upgrades include a 50 percent increase in seating capacity, an improved lobby and restrooms, and other enhancements to the patron experience.
During renovations, Winter Park Playhouse will continue staging its musicals and cabarets at the Orlando Shakes / Lowndes Shakespeare Center to maintain continuity of programming. Founded in 2002, the playhouse is one of Central Florida’s leading nonprofit professional musical theaters.
