New World Symphony

Campus Expansion Vote February 20th, 2007At 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 in the City Commission Chambers, the City of Miami Beach will hold a special session to discuss and vote on city support for NWS’ Campus Expansion. This special session will complete NWS’ extensive negotiations with the City for a Grant-in-Aid of $15 million. In addition to the construction of NWS’ new facility, the master plan developed for the City Center by architect/planner Bernard Zyscovich includes the creation of a city park and the construction of a 600+ space parking garage on part of the two block parcel currently occupied by surface lots. This is a net gain of some 100 parking spaces over the existing parking stock, and the development of a wonderful “green space” in the heart of this urban area. NWS has hired world-renowned architect Frank Gehry to design its new campus; Mr. Gehry is also designing the garage and the public park. The new NWS building will include administrative spaces; a “music laboratory” for educational projects, webcasts, recording, and performances; a community room; and other spaces for entertainment; all in about 104,000 square feet. The exterior includes a wall on which performances can be projected, enabling people in the park to watch a performance by NWS or others who may use the building. Mr. Gehry’s buildings have drawn significant numbers of tourists to locations around the world, and we anticipate that this building will focus similar attention on Miami Beach. It is very important that residents who support the work of NWS attend this special session. The Commissioners want to know that this community wants this project to move forward. We hope that you will plan to attend this important event, and that you will wear a bright blue shirt to signal to the Commission your support for this important project. For more information, please call: 305.673.3331