Detail of an artist’s rendering of the King Center after this summer’s renovations.

By PAM HARBAUGH

When you reach 30, you always update your look. The King Center for the Performing Arts is no different.

Long the center for professional touring groups, cultural education and local artists, the King Center will begin a multi-million dollar “Keeping the King Center Cool” renovation to its air conditioning system, its lobby, Crown Club and exterior “curb appeal.”

Construction to modernize the venue, with designs by BRPH Architects, will take place from June to October this year. It will begin with a update to the front entrance and enclosed vestibules to enhance security, big renovation to the main lobby bar (making it much more efficient and welcoming), contemporary flooring and furnishings in the Crown club and repainting the entire building. All that will cost $1.9 million.

After that, the building’s heating, cooling and ventilation system will be replaced at a cost of $1.7 million.

Limited programming will continue during the renovation project.

All this has been approved by the King Center Board of Directors, but still needs final approval from the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees which is scheduled to review the project at its April 15 meeting. The King Center is owned by Eastern Florida State College.

Later, in a few years hopefully, the King Center will enter into a second phase renovation projects which will include a new outdoor patio area, a rooftop terrace and restroom renovations. Funds for that will have to be raised in a capital campaign.

To contribute to the project, click here. To see a video, click here.