TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A proposed project in Tallahassee's Southside would transform a vacant building into a performing arts center.
The quiet surrounding Lake Anita could come alive with the sounds of the arts.
A 10,000-square foot building right next to Anita Favors Thompson Plaza could turn into a venue for concerts, festivals and other events.
Here's what TLH Arts, Inc. might look like. Designers are planning a black box theater, recording and dance studios, and office space.
The building has been vacant for at least two years, and the groups behind the project say it's a great location.
"Near FAMU, near FSU, near Cascades Park, and also the gateway to the potential location of the police station," said Donald Gray, Urban Design Principal for Fitzgerald Collaborative. "Perfect for a crosscut of constituents and socioeconomic groups in the city."
The idea of a performing arts center in the Southside has been tossed around for years, and now, it looks like the dream could come true.
"There's a lot of energy in the Southside. You can see that with interest from the leadership level, elected officials, all the way down the constituents in the area," said Gray. "It's long overdue for an update, a change, a new life to be breathed into the area."
The project is estimated to cost $5.6 million, a mix of public and private funding.
Once the project is fully funded, it will take about 10 months to construct. The goal is to have this up and running by the year 2020.
The project hopes to receive funding from grant money available through the Community Redevelopment Agency.
The CRA board meets Monday to approve proposals to pass on to the county and city commissions.
