Gulfshore Playhouse hires architect, unveils preliminary design for downtown Naples theater

Like an artist teasing a snippet of a new song, Gulfshore Playhouse has offered a first glimpse at its glitzy new home.

The nonprofit professional theater group has shared a few of the initial concept renderings for its multimillion-dollar project planned along Goodlette-Frank Road in downtown Naples.

The actual renderings will be unveiled at the theater's annual fund-raising gala March 26 at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

H3, a design studio within Arquitectonica based in Miami, has been hired as the architect. The studio specializes in theater, arts and other cultural buildings, having been involved with such high-profile projects as the Radio City Musical Hall, the Denver Performing Arts Center and the Claire Tow Theater at Lincoln Center.

After winning a design competition that came down to two firms H3/Arquitectonica was  announced as the architect for the new regional theater in January at a private rooftop event at the Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples. 

The architects are creating a landmark project that will become a "cultural icon and a gateway to downtown" and provide the region with professional theater and educational opportunities for years to come, said Kristen Coury, founder and CEO of Gulfshore Playhouse. 

"It will become an enormous jewel in the cultural crown that Naples wears," she said. 

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Plans for the new 56,000-square-foot theater complex include a 50,000-square-foot building with a 400-seat main stage for large-cast musicals, classics, world premiere comedies and dramas. A separate studio theater with about 150 seats would offer a spot for meetings, children's plays, cabarets and edgier shows.

An educational wing would include rehearsal rooms, classrooms and places for events. There will be a grand, open lobby with free WiFi, a cafe and a bar/lounge. There will be a second lounge exclusively for special donors. 

"We are trying to create a building that is iconic and that can be a postcard image for the city. We really want to do good at every level," said Bernardo Fort-Brescia, who is leading the design team for H3/Arquitectonica.

By doing good at every level, he means designing a project that offers great components from the aesthetics to the acoustics. The architects have met regularly with Gulfshore Playhouse's design committee to get feedback on the possible concepts to see what features its members like and don't like.

The state-of-the-art theater will be built on three acres within the borders of Naples Square at the corner of First Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road.

Gulfshore Playhouse closed on the land at 100-300 Goodlette Frank Rd. in November, paying $5.15 million for it. 

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Naples Square, a mixed-used project that's under development by The Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, is at the former Grand Central Station property across from Bayfront. The theater is expected to become an anchor for the Shoppes at Naples Square, which will offer a mix of restaurants and retailers that are expected to start opening in 2019.

Naples Mayor Bill Barnett described the architect's preliminary concepts for the theater as "pretty spectacular." 

"It's something that has been really, really needed," he said. "It's a big plus all around. It's certainly going to be good for the city, for the restaurants and businesses." 

The project, he said, will fit well with the city's plans to improve the walkability and bikeability of downtown. The theater would include its own parking garage and its location is within walking distance of Bayfront, Tin City and restaurants and shops along Fifth Avenue South and neighboring streets.

A capital campaign has been launched to raise $45 million, which would cover land and construction costs, as well as provide an endowment for maintenance. About a third of the money has been pledged, said Steve Akin, chairman of the campaign committee.

Naples philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker, longtime supporters of Gulfshore Playhouse, donated a matching gift of $10 million to spearhead the project. 

"No donation is too small," Akin said. "We are in the silent phase right now, which means we are going out to key people who support the arts and who have the interest and the capacity to hopefully provide us with the funds so that we can have the money to begin construction."

The project, he said, is an easy sell, as it will allow the theater group to triple its capacity. The main stage will double in size. 

"It's a compelling story that is great for the arts in Naples and it's great for downtown," Akin said. "This becomes a gateway to the north and to the east,
and extends Fifth Avenue in a natural way."

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Gulfshore Playhouse produces large-scale, Broadway-quality theater productions. It employs professional directors and actors — often Tony Award winners or nominees — to produce original work. Every play has equity actors from New York.

More than a decade ago, Coury started the playhouse in the back of her condominium after a career working on Broadway for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions and for Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group and directing a feature film. 

The theater group's annual budget has grown by more than 850 percent since 2009.

"Basically we've grown from a zero budget to a budget of $3.5 million annually in 13 years, which is unprecedented in the nation among not-for-profit professional theaters," Coury said. 

The new theater is expected to contribute $10 million annually to the local economy, generating more business for area shops, restaurants and hotels from residents and visitors alike, based on a study by the United Arts Council of Collier County. 

Nationally theatergoers attending a play or musical spend an average of $50 to $75 per person on other services, such as shopping and dining, Coury said. 

The economic impact won't just come from patrons. Big productions bring in large casts of actors, who spend money in Naples.

Naples developer and entrepreneur Phil McCabe, who owns the Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples, is a big supporter of the project. He's put his own money behind it, contributing $1 million. 

Culture is vitally important to the success of the community, not just nice beaches and great weather, McCabe said.

"We have it and I want more of it," he said of cultural offerings. 

With all the wealth in Naples, McCabe is confident Gulfshore Playhouse will raise the money needed to get the new theater built.  

"I just don't think they will have any problem raising money in this town," he said. "All you have to do is drive down Gordon Drive and knock on a few doors."

Gulfshore Playhouse hopes to break ground on its new home in about a year. It's estimated to take about two years to build, with an opening date anticipated in late 2021.

In the meantime the theater will continue to operate at the Norris Community Center, at the south end of Cambier Park, in downtown Naples, where it's been since 2006.