FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 20, 2013
GOVERNOR, FLORIDA CABINET APPROVE BUSINESS PLAN FOR FIU IN MIAMI
~Approval is first
step for Florida International University to lease Coconut Grove Playhouse~
MIAMI
– Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet today approved Florida
International University's business plan, the first step to enable the
university -- in partnership with Miami-Dade County and GableStage -- to offer
a world-class theater program in Southeast Florida at the state-owned Coconut
Grove Playhouse.
Governor
Scott said, "The approval of this business plan allows Florida
International University to create a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity in
Southeast Florida.”
"By
approving the business plan for the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the foundation for
a long-term partnership with FIU, Miami-Dade County, and the State will be
solidified," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.
"I
am hopeful that the partnership between FIU, the County and GableStage will
allow the Grove Playhouse to once again become a premier centerpiece for the
arts in South Florida,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “By supporting the arts, we are
helping promote a vibrant and creative future for our state.”
The
Coconut Grove Playhouse property was originally purchased by the state in 1980
and the Board of Trustees conveyed the property – at no cost – to the Coconut
Grove Playhouse, LLC, with a deed restriction that required it to manage the
property as a theater. The company struggled to continue offering theatrical
productions and in April 2006, the final performance occurred in the facility
and it closed amid financial problems. After years of inability to revitalize
the facility, failure to keep it running as a theater and allowing a commercial
parking venture, the Department, in 2012, exercised its right to revert the
property back to the Board of Trustees.
The
Division of State Lands noticed the property, as it does with all property it
sells, and Florida International University showed interest in leasing, which
universities and colleges have first preference to do upon notice. Per Florida
Statutes, a lessee must provide a business plan that requires Governor and
Cabinet approval. Miami-Dade County has secured $20 million for capital
expenditures for the development and construction of the Playhouse. GableStage,
a non-profit theater group, will partner on managing the property.
After
approval, the next step will be to finalize the lease between the Board of
Trustees, the university and the county. Also, the county, with concurrence of
the university, will be working with the Department in pursuing options to
obtain the Playhouse property in fee simple ownership, including a potential
exchange of lands. All sales or land exchanges relating to this property
are subject to Board of Trustees’ approval.
"This
plan shows the benefits of a partnership between the state, the county and the
university working together to benefit our youth and contribute to the arts
community in Miami-Dade County," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard
Jr. "I'm proud that DEP can support Gov. Scott as he continues to
emphasize education in our state."
According
to the business plan, the university plans to use the Coconut Grove Playhouse
to re-establish a robust theater program for the region, providing professional
theater opportunities for university students and faculty. Proper training of
theater students can provide job opportunities, keep theater professionals in
Miami to improve the culture of the city and serve as an incubator for new
theatrical works, providing a platform for playwrights to develop their work.
“We
are excited about the opportunity to partner with the State and Florida
International University on the Coconut Grove Playhouse project,” said Michael
Spring, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. ”In
collaboration with GableStage, one of Florida’s great theater companies, we
intend to re-establish great regional theater and develop innovative programs
that not only will benefit FIU’s students, faculty and alumni but also will
serve as a catalyst for jobs, economic development and the growth of theater
throughout South Florida.”
|