Postcard from 1978 after the renovation.
The Municipal Auditorium as it looked in its original state
1978: Interior of Municipal Auditorium gutted. Three original walls remained. Lobby added.
On April 24th, City Council approved Ordinance No. 2017-6 designating Bob Carr Theatre at 401 W. Livingston Street (MAP) as an Orlando Historic Landmark. This structure is a mixture of 3 walls saved from the original 1926 Municipal Auditorium (nicknamed "Muni Aud" by locals) and elements added during a 1978 renovation. The things saved from the 1926 Municipal Auditorium during the 1978 renovation were three exterior walls. No interior architecture or design remained. No original layout, lighting, staircases, seats, stage tools or lobby features. Everything in the interior was removed.
The Historic Preservation Board directed Historic Preservation Staff to research the eligibility of historic landmark status of the Municipal Auditorium/Bob Carr Theatre. Staff presented their own findings at the August 3, 2016 Historic Preservation Board regular meeting with a recommendation of Approval of Orlando Historic Landmark status.
The Historic Preservation Board may designate by ordinance any site, building, structure or object as an Historic Landmark only when appropriate documentation demonstrates significance in history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture and it possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association and ONE of the following qualifications is met. These criteria are identical for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places:
- A - That is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
- B - That is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
- C - That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic values; or
- D - That has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
Staff found that the building meets the criteria A and B, that the property is significant for the history, culture, and association with significant people and events in Orlando's past. However, all of the events and significant peoples' visits happened in the 99% of the original building that was demolished in 1978. The remaining 1% was built in 1926 and consists of 3 remaining walls.
The HPB voted unanimously to approve the Orlando Landmark status.
At its regular meeting of October 18, 2016, the City of Orlando Municipal Planning Board (MPB) held a public hearing to designate the Property as an Orlando Historic Landmark, and after a review of the documented evidence and upon consideration of the criteria provided by Section 65.720, Orlando City Code, the MPB recommended by unanimous voice vote that the Orlando City Council designate the property as an Orlando Historic Landmark.
Extra Reading: We explained in depth why it's not a historic landmark HERE.