Sep 18, 2007 9:54 pm US/Eastern
Available For Your Party: Performing Arts Center
by Liv Davalos
DOWNTOWN MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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This could be the space for your next private party or corporate event.
CBS
If you have come to the Knight Concert Hall at Miami's Performing Arts Center, you may have seen Quincy Jones perform from the comfort of the orchestra level, but now a special flooring above the seats will convert this venue into almost anything you want—for the right price.
Crews have been busy working for about 20 hours assembling the floor that covers about 4500 square feet, transforming the concert hall into a venue where you could have your wedding reception, or even your child's Bar Mitzvah.
"The stage is not affected by this," said Michael Hardy. "The stage is still there, you could have an orchestra there if you want."
Hardy is the CEO of the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. He says the venue transformation has been in the works for the last three years, as a way to increase revenue, especially during the slower summer months.
"It should be worth $20,000 per use," he said.
Increasing revenue is a main concern, especially after a difficult opening season where higher than expected costs for utilities, security and maintenance led to a $3 million deficit. The county came through with a $4 million infusion to help the center get through the budget year. Hardy says hard lessons have been learned and the new budget will reflect that.
Next year's budget will be $8.8 million. That will cover the occupancy costs, security, insurance, and maintenance of the grounds. Plus, Hardy says the new Festival floor at the concert hall may bring in several hundred thousand dollars in revenue once the word gets out.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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