By Ken Storey
The Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts celebrated a
major milestone on Thursday, May 23, 2013 with the placement of the highest
beam of the building. The 12,000 pound
beam was placed on the top of the 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Community
Theater. At 60 feet long the massive
beam was an impressive sight to see soar over the construction. The placement was surrounded by plenty of
pomp and circumstance. A live orchestra
played as more than 200 guests signed the beam.
Then a slew of speakers made statements of how important the new center
is for Central Florida, most also reminded the crowd that Phase 2 is still in
need of more funding before it can begin.
The beam was then lifted as the orchestra played, now moved from the
stage and set up within the construction site itself. The impressive sight caused pedestrians to
stop on nearby sidewalks. After the beam
was placed a lunch was provided by Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ.
Phase 1 is quickly taking place but Phase 2 still has $40 million to raise, the center has already raised $463 million but that last $40 million seems to be a stretch for many of the donors who’ve already increased their initial donations. The second and final phase should break ground by 2014 once that $40 million is raised.
Three other beams that had finished a multi-county tour were also on display. More beams will go on a seven county Central Florida tour to allow even more people to sign the beams and become a permanent part of the new center. That tour, known as the Building Arts For Every Life tour, will emphasis that the center performing arts center is there for the whole community and not just Orlando. The tour will stop by schools and community centers in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Polk and Lake counties.
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| Before the beam was put into place these stairs had to be moved. |
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| One of the other beams that had visited local groups ahead of Thursday's event |
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| Most stood in the shade of the tent after signing the beam |
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| Mayor Dyer signs the beam |
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| Then he poses with it. |
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| Then he takes his own picture of his signature |
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| Along with his signature he also added "Orlando" |
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| The beam was lifted into place. |
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| See the orchestra in the future lobby area. |
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| The construction site was quiet as the beam was put into place, all the workers stood by and watched it. |
