Dr. Phillips Center unveils next phase of 9-acre campus masterplan

True to the original plan of developing the nine-acre campus, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts seeks to build Phase 3, a reimagined masterplan buildout of the front plaza, side and back parcels. With this next phase of development, the arts center continues to build a civic and economic anchor, and a community gathering space.

The completion of Phase 3 is expected to attract an additional 1,000,000 visitations annually.

The next phase will feature an outdoor performance auditorium that hosts up to 7,000 guests; a 12,000- to 14,000-square-foot immersive performance venue; a 10,000-square-foot event, banquet and exhibition space; and a 750-seat theater. This will be in addition to amenities, such as a music and arts garden, cafes and restaurants.

“In 2018, we made the decision to revisit the use of the front parcels and consider a community amenity rather than a commercial development,” said Ed Timberlake, chairman of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “With this new design, the future of our region as a cultural destination continues to grow and thrive.”

Phase 3 is projected to cost $175 million, pending no significant delays or cost escalations. The arts center is seeking $145 million from Tourist Development Tax due to the breadth of the project and the national and international appeal it brings, in addition to requesting $15 million from the City of Orlando/CRA. With a reliable fundraising history of raising $215 million to date through a 17,000+ donor base, Dr. Phillips Center commits to contributing $15 million through philanthropy and sponsorships for capital. The arts center will continue to be responsible for operating and maintaining the full 9-acre campus at a cost estimated at $11.5 million annually, which over time will match and exceed the TDT contribution.

The project can be construction ready within 14 to 18 months after funding is secured. Operations could commence as early as 2027.

Dr. Phillips Center opened Phase 1 in November 2014 with Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater and several performance and event spaces. Phase 2 opened in January 2022 with the addition of Steinmetz Hall, a world-class acoustically remarkable concert hall, and will soon open Judson’s, a cabaret-style, 150-seat dynamic music room for emerging artists.

When completed, the total economic impact of Dr. Phillips Center will be nearly $400 million with 3,600 total jobs generated in Orange County. Dr. Phillips Center currently provides nearly $200 million in total annual economic impact to the Central Florida area, supports 2,100 total jobs and generates more than $13 million in state and local taxes. The proposed project will add $170 million to the total economic impact, support an additional 1,500 total jobs and generate over $11 million in state and local taxes.