Officials from Orlando, surrounding Orange County, and other funding partners of central Florida’s $425 million performing arts center project have named a new oversight committee that has begun searching for a new company to move the construction of the facility ahead.
Members of the nonprofit Orlando Community Construction Corp. were announced Friday with Orlando Magic basketball team president Alex Martins serving as chairman.
The OCCC was created after questions were raised recently about previous oversight of the project and some of its contracts.
Martins’ first action was to release a request for qualifications for a firm to be the “owner’s representative” to monitor all construction activities.
The company will be selected April 11 and will replace Houston-based Hines, which had been monitoring the arts center project.
Since the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency sold $126.8 million of tax-increment finance bonds in 2009 and 2010, about $41 million has been spent on land, consultants, design, and various contracts but no physical construction has started.
The economic downturn and its impact on revenues as well as philanthropic contributions had already forced organizers to approach the construction of the project in phases.
Earlier this year, questions were raised by newly elected Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs about operations and some contracts she felt had excessive provisions. Her questions led to the formation of the OCCC.
“This new board provides an appropriate level of transparency, oversight, and accountability that are essential to the success of this important community project,” Jacobs said. “Most importantly, it will build public trust.”
Other members of the corporation represent the city, the county, the Dr. Phillips Arts Center, the CRA, and philanthropic supporters.
