News Summary
Pinellas County Commissioners have approved $2.5 million in funding for the renovation of the historic Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. This decision supports a broader capital campaign that aims to upgrade the 815-seat venue. The renovations will enhance seating, acoustics, and technology to maintain its role as an accessible venue for local arts. Currently budgeted at $13 million, the project has secured approximately $10.8 million in additional funding, with hopes for more support. Construction is expected to start in 8 to 12 months.
St. Petersburg, FL – Pinellas County Commissioners have unanimously approved the allocation of $2.5 million in Tourist Development Council funds dedicated to the renovation of the Palladium Theater, a key performing arts venue in the area. This decision was made during a meeting on October 7, marking a significant milestone in a broader capital campaign that has been underway since 2022.
The Palladium Theater, an 815-seat facility owned and operated by St. Petersburg College, is cherished for its historic significance and is listed on the Register of Historic Places. The renovation project, initially estimated to cost $10 million, now has a revised budget of $13 million due to rising construction costs, prompting the need for additional funding.
The funding from Pinellas County is complemented by an allocation of $850,000 from the Florida Legislature as part of its 2023-24 budget. So far, approximately $10.8 million has been secured through contributions from private donors, the State of Florida, and the City of St. Petersburg, highlighting broad community support for the renovations.
Palladium Executive Director Paul Wilborn emphasized the necessity for adequate funds to be readily available for the project to move forward, making the county’s funding a crucial aspect of the renovation process. The planned renovations will include new seating, improved sightlines and acoustics, an upgraded ceiling, and enhanced lighting and technology.
While some initial renovation plans, such as raising the performance stage and installing an acoustic orchestra shell, had to be deferred due to budget constraints, there remains hope that additional upgrades can be included if further funding is secured. Construction is anticipated to begin in 8 to 12 months, with the theater expected to close for approximately one year to accommodate the renovations.
John Collins, former director of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, has been closely involved with the renovation project since its inception, ensuring that the community’s arts needs are well represented. The Palladium, originally built in 1925 as a Christian Science church, transitioned to a theater in 1998 and was taken over by St. Petersburg College in 2007.
The aim of the renovations is to sustain the Palladium as an affordable and accessible venue for local performers, providing an alternative to larger venues like the Straz Center or the Mahaffey Theater. The refurbishment is part of a broader initiative to keep the Palladium at the forefront of the Bay Area arts scene, ensuring it remains a premier destination for cultural events.
The enthusiastic community support for the renovation project reflects the commitment of various local stakeholders and government entities to transform the Palladium Theater into a modern and efficient venue while maintaining its historical charm. As the project progresses, the goal is to enhance the overall performance experience for both performers and audiences alike.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: County Gives Palladium Theater Upgrade a Green Light
- Google Search: Palladium Theater St Petersburg renovation
- FOX 13 News: $13M Makeover Set to Transform St. Pete’s Historic Palladium Theater
- Wikipedia: Palladium Theater
- St. Pete Catalyst: Why the Palladium Theater Became an Organ Donor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
