Activity is as busy as ever at the iconic Parker Playhouse. But, instead of instruments coming off the loading dock for that night’s concert, state-of-the art equipment is being installed and renovations are on schedule that will create new hospitality experiences in one of Fort Lauderdale’s storied venues.

The classic sophistication will be retained in the $30 million reimagining of the Parker. The vibrant new lobby design will elegantly integrate the original façade of the building and many of the other original architectural features will remain intact including the popular continental seating configuration inside the theater.

Guests will enjoy new features including private donor and premium lounges and a signature bar area while, behind the scenes, upgraded systems and technology that deliver advanced acoustics will make the experience at the Parker even more entertaining and special.

General contractor is RCC Gulf, a joint venture between RCC Associates and Gulf Building. The architectural firm is Wilson Butler Architects, and the interior design firm is ID & Design International. Completion is scheduled for 2021.

For more than 30 years, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation has been instrumental in providing support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 to deliver the required private funding to build the Center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the Foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities and capital projects. Prior to the Campaign for the Parker, the Foundation raised $60 million to complete the Encore! capital campaign to renovate, renew and revitalize the Broward Center.

For more information about the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, call 954-468-3284 or email Foundation@BrowardCenter.org.

About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive JetBlue Flight Deck on the Club Level, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 130,000 students annually. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.

Broward Center’s Road to Recovery Fund

Faced with the loss of 90% of its revenues when performances were cancelled due to the pandemic, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation launched the Road to Recovery Fund. Donations to this fund will help the Broward Center continue to provide programming online while it prepares for the day when it can reopen the theaters and emerge again as a gathering place for all. Contributions are welcome at BrowardCenter.org/R2R.