Tampa Tribune Article

Cultural Center Clears Final Hurdle

By ELIZABETH LEE BROWN ebrown@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 13, 2005

CARROLLWOOD - A future community center, billed as a cultural centerpiece for the Carrollwood area, cleared its last major planning hurdle this week. Hillsborough County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved, 5-0, rezoning 4.5 acres in the heart of Carrollwood Village to convert St. Mark's Episcopal Church into the Carrollwood Community Center.

Supporters celebrated while setting their eyes on the project's next stage: major fundraising to supplement the county's $2 million renovation and construction budget.

``We're really overjoyed that this thing seems to be coming to a conclusion,'' said Tom Jones, president of the Friends of the Carrollwood Community Center, a volunteer organization supporting the center.

Jones said the group's next goal is to develop a business plan. They have identified $200,000 in needs, for amenities such as stage lighting, curtains and signage, which county dollars won't cover. The group hopes to raise $1.2 million over the next three years.

Once the business plan is complete, members will solicit individuals and businesses for donations. One option is offering naming rights for rooms, the auditorium and even the building, Jones said.

The church is expected to move out in March, relocating to a larger campus on Cain Road.

The county has already purchased the building and property for $1.9 million. Renovations include adding 6,000 square feet to the northeast side of the building, creating a two-story entrance lobby on the north side, and turning the existing entrance into an outdoor stage.

The 30,000-square-foot community center at 13335 Casey Road will have a cultural focus, featuring a 200-seat auditorium and special rooms for ceramics, art and dance.

Construction should be completed in June 2006.