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November 4, 2003

PAC: Miami

More plot twists and bad news in Miami-Dade, as the opening day of their massive performing arts center (PAC) is delayed again. As some will recall, I touched on this soap opera back in an early weblog entry. But it's now become a 'whodunnit'.

Major errors in the construction of the facility, according to the article, include:

  • Improper work on structures that insulate the performance auditoriums from vibration and street noise.
  • Manufacturing problems with doors that close off about 100 echo chambers along the side of the symphony hall to tailor the sound for various performances.
  • Incorrectly fabricated steel tubes that form the frame for balconies where patrons will gather during intermissions.
In a related story, the 'whodunnit' is also becoming a 'who'sgonnapayforit', as the operating costs of the building start to sink in. A projected income shortfall of $2.7 million per year has left the management of the future facility scrambling for other income. The projected deficit comes even after earnings on a $21 million endowment, $1.4 million from a county 'bed tax,' up to $250,000 from the county cultural affairs department, and rentals from the resident companies.

The full range of services to earn revenue will also extend to corporate events and private functions (a strong source of income for many cultural facilities). Says new programming manager Justin Macdonnell: 'We'll even rent the lobby space for office parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs.'

Let the bookings begin.

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