Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts shed new light this week on the progress of its renovations to the former Winter Park Library building at 460 E. New England Ave. Illustrations of four planned stages and other amenities debuted on the nonprofit’s updated website under the heading, “A Stage for All,” with summaries of each and a tentative construction timeline.
The rehab plan, approved by city commission in June, transforms the 33,000-square-foot building into a live music and arts education venue with phased construction on each of its three floors. Elements such as a performance space, recording studio, rehearsal and classrooms spaces were part of the original proposal, but Blue Bamboo Executive Director Chris Cortez told the32789 that possibilities and projected costs changed for the better when he and his team began preconstruction cleanup after the lease was signed in August.
“We really had to step back and rethink the whole project once we got into the building,” he said. “There was so much furniture and shelving; we spent a couple of months cleaning and as we did, we started coming up with more and more ideas.”
Phase 1 was always intended as a first-floor space for Blue Bamboo performances, produced at various local stages since the nonprofit left its former 1905 Kentucky Ave. address last year due to rising rent costs. As space in the old library was cleared, Cortez discovered enough room for additions that include the following:
- Encore Stage: The main performance venue with a 200-seat capacity at the east side of the ground floor.
- Groove Café: The expansion of a planned concession space offering beverage and snack service. Additional space will accommodate a small gathering area with seats and merchandise shelves.
- Bravo Stage: An intimate 60-seat venue that will be offered for free to up-and-coming performers and small productions looking to hone their skills and make their mark.
While all three are part of Phase 1 development, Bravo Stage is planned for completion in the spring of 2025 with the rest opening earlier in the year.
Phase 2 is projected to open in the third quarter of 2025 and will house arts education and rehearsal spaces. Phase 3 will include third-floor rehearsal and gallery spaces along with space for wellness initiatives where music and performance can be used to foster self-confidence and assist in physical rehabilitation. Phase 3 will be offered to arts-related nonprofits for a nominal fee and completion is estimated for 2026.
Central Florida Vocal Arts Executive Director Theresa Smith Levin plans to utilize Phase 2 for her organization’s voice and music classes, currently provided to students and members of the community. Cortez intends to offer audio and visual training with a recording studio that can also assist in archiving and streaming live performances.
Initial funding was achieved through a loan and from donations. A planned capital campaign is currently under way for Phases 2 and 3 and proceeds from ticket sales for first-floor venue performances will also go toward the project. First-floor ticket sales and rent from second-floor facilities will make third-floor rents more affordable for qualifying tenant use.
Along with space for new ideas, the cleanup revealed what was necessary to bring the 45-year-old building up to code. Cortez discovered that several projections that made other reuse plans cost-prohibitive, including the assumption that a new elevator system was required for ADA compliance, were not correct.
“The elevator is a legal size for ADA compliance,” he said. “It needs to be updated with modern conventions that came along since the building opened, but there’s no reason it can’t be.”
Cortez had been prepared with a plan for a new elevator system and was able to put those funds toward other needs, such as a new HVAC system and bathroom remodels. He was also able to dispel the rumors that mold and a leaky roof would need to be delt with. “There’s no mold, no roof leaks. It needed new flooring and paint, and we had to add the stage and knock out some counters and shelves.”
As progress has directed Cortez and his team toward new plans, they are proceeding with an intent to preserve history. A collection of painted tiles and a plaque containing the names of people who made the building possible will be part of the new designs along with vintage lighting and architectural elements. However, the oculus feature that extends to the second floor through the first-floor ceiling started a tug-of-war between regulation and preservation.
“It worked for the old use, but the fire marshal required us to close it,” Cortez said. “We were told we could demolish and fill with concrete and steel, but we’re trying to explore other options. I’m fighting for details like that.”
Despite the sticking point, Cortez said the permitting process has gone faster than expected with notes already in hand from submissions made before Thanksgiving.
The future addition of a “Jazz Garden” outdoor venue has been discussed and is part of the illustration package. While the intended use is for small events, Cortez knows he will need to be careful about the time of day and type of music performed in the space. “This is one of those areas where we can really make people mad, so we have to manage how we use it,” he said. “At this point it’s an idea and wasn’t part of our original concept.”
Cortez knows that doubts remain, especially parking and crowd concerns, but says the requirements of approximately 58 parking spaces and 250 guests at a time still allow for more occupancy that he ever had at his former venue. Plans are in place to manage performance and class schedules to keep building occupancy below the maximum, the daily schedule will end at 10 p.m., and event planning will be made to avoid overlap with community schedules and events at the Alfond Inn.
“I think many of the concerns stem from the idea that we’re a bar and at 2 am there’s going to be people meeting in the parking lot,” he said, adding that alcohol service is offered but not a primary source of income. “We don’t serve food, were not trying to get people to stay after the show. Think Steinmetz Hall, not Chili’s.”
As he works toward realizing the renovations, Cortez can’t help but look back on the early years of Blue Bamboo and see the new space as securing its legacy.
“When we started, we had this little, beat up building and somehow that worked,” he said. “Now, we’re in a building where people are really going to take us seriously. When I finally retire, I will be turning over the reins to somebody who’s going to keep this going for years and years.”