Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts - 3 Theaters
- Jacki Hale
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
The project was designed by Barton Myers, FAIA from Santa Barbara, CA. The Executive/Architect of Record was HKS of Orlando, FL. The Associate Architect was Baker Barrios Architects. The Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineers was TLC Engineering for Architecture.
The Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts was part of 3 Community venues that were all approved by the County for Tourist Development Tax on July 27, 2007.
The Dr Phillips Center is built on a nine-acre site and includes three performance theaters, an outdoor performance plaza, rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, and arts education spaces. The building itself is approximately 330,000 GSF (gross square feet).
As a result of the economic downturn, tourist tax collections declined in Orange County in 2008. This delayed the timing of a $130M commitment from the tourist tax revenues. The current design was not the first design of Orlando’s Performing Arts Center. There were at least one concept from the 1990s that never got built so it was important to move this one forward. After conversations with donors, board members, arts groups, and community leaders, it was determined that a phased construction schedule was the best way to complete the project.
Construction began in June 2011 for Phase 1 and the arts center opened on November 6, 2014. Phase 2 (Steinmetz Hall) broke ground in March 2017 and was completed in February 2024.
The venue contains 4 theaters and includes the Walt Disney Theater seating 2700 for amplified Broadway style performances, The Alexis and Jim Pugh Community Theater seating 300, and the Steinmetz Hall seating 1700 for acoustic performances. An Outdoor Plaza/performance space is the fourth theater and used regularly for public concerts. The entry is crowned by 85-foot cantilevered steel canopy expressing the rhythm and dynamic of stage performances, The lobby is constructed of exposed steel and glass with a 45-foot cantilevered back span for the ceiling. The back lit transparent glass boxes composing the façade step to the beat as well as offering plenty of light and views to the exterior.
Separating the lobby and the performance halls is a large concrete wall with white venetian plaster wall, cantilevered off the back of theater seating structure. The ‘wave wall’ has color changing LED lighting that transforms the ambiance of the space.
The Grand Stair is circular in shape with cantilevered precast terrazzo and wood steps and frameless glass railings. The center also has two large rooms off the theater lobbies, a 1200 SF donor room above the outdoor stage on Level 2 and a 300-seat banquet room on Level 3 featuring a glass wall which opens to the beautiful view across the plaza to city Hall and the western skyline.
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The Dr. Phillips Center logo reflects the inclusiveness and artistic core of the organization, movement and modernism, while honoring the Dr. Phillips namesake. This abstract symbol was inspired by the four-beat motion of a conductor’s baton. The orange color scheme is inspired by the warm Florida hues.
The Center was awarded LEED Silver accreditation - one of the first performing arts centers in the country to achieve this goal.
Come and enjoy an in-depth tour of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. We will tour all 3 theaters and Judson’s. Listen and learn about the design and operation/production from the Dr. Phillips Production team as well as some of the Design Team members.
