A plan to bring new life to a nearly 100-year-old theater downtown moved a step closer as the City of Orlando is seeking an architecture firm to lead the design of the redevelopment project.
The city has opened the door to proposals aimed at repurposing the historic Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, at 401 W. Livingston St. The bid solicitation period closes on Jan. 24.
In September, city officials unveiled plans to pursue converting the 2,401-seat theater in Creative Village into a “town square” for what it says is a burgeoning technology industry. It could include meeting and exhibition space, a place for start-ups and companies to use as well as host events and display their work.
Orlando envisions historic Bob Carr Theater as ‘town square’ for tech
“We really want this to be like the town hall for Creative Village,” Kathy DeVault, the city’s director of strategic partnerships, said at the time.
City projections show the conversion could cost about $30 million to renovate the old building. The city would retain ownership of the building with hopes that it would be in use day and night, seven days per week upon its completion.
According to bid solicitation documents, the adaptive redevelopment project sought by the city is currently envisioned to cover the front two-thirds of the existing building’s footprint, which comprises approximately 40,000 square feet.
“The adaptive reuse of the Bob Carr Center space into an inclusive center for technology and innovation is not just about preserving history, but also shaping the future,” city solicitation documents say. “It is a commitment to honoring our roots while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. The City and the CRA invite Respondents to join us on this transformative journey, to lend their expertise, passion, and creativity to create a space that truly embodies inclusivity and innovation at its core. Together, we will redefine what is possible and ensure that the legacy of the Bob Carr lives on in a space that is inclusive, innovative, and ready to shape the future”
The reimagined Bob Carr Theater is part of what the city considers “Phase 2” of its Creative Village plan, which largely centers on the area surrounding the theater. Plans include 365 market-rate apartments, 106 apartments deemed affordable, 185,000 square feet of office space, a 180-room hotel and upgrades to the plaza surrounding the theater.
Phase 1 included what exists in the neighborhood today: The University of Central Florida and Valencia College’s shared campus; Electronic Arts’ headquarters; Luminary Green; as well as market-rate and affordable apartments.
“As we stand on the threshold of a new era, the City envisions a profound transformation of the cherished Bob Carr Center space into an inclusive center for technology and innovation,” city documents say. “This ambitious adaptive reuse project will not only breathe new life into the Bob Carr Center space but will also infuse it with a diverse range of purposes that reflect the ever-evolving needs of our community. The project is intended to serve as a community-facing civic asset and placemaking element of the Creative Village District.”
After its construction in 1926, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre went on to become a significant part of Orlando’s history. Elvis performed here three times between May 1955 and August 1956.
Over the nearly 100 years since its completion, the building was continuously altered, expanded, and upgraded with modern technologies such as sound equipment, air conditioning, and theater-rigging to keep up with modern stage and concert productions. These alterations have included a glass shell that preserves the original classical facade, according to city documents.
In 2017, Orlando inked an agreement that precluded the Bob Carr Center from directly competing with the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts with respect to programming.
After the solicitation period ends on Jan. 24, city spokeswoman Ashley Papagni said she expects the recommendation from the bids to come to the City Council in early spring 2024.
“Through this selection and the actual design process, we’ll further solidify timelines for construction,” she said, “but it is estimated that the reimagined Bob Carr could be completed as early as 2027.”
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