Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved $2.5 million in Tourist Development Council funds for renovations to St. Petersburg’s Palladium Theater at their Oct. 7 meeting.

The funding brings the historic performing arts venue’s renovation project to approximately $10.8 million in secured commitments, enabling construction to proceed. The 815-seat theater, owned and operated by St. Petersburg College, requires the full budget to be committed before work can begin due to state college regulations.

The renovation project, launched in 2022, has grown from an initial $10 million estimate to $13 million due to rising construction costs. Funding sources include private donors, the state of Florida, the city of St. Petersburg, and now Pinellas County.

Planned improvements include new seating, enhanced sight lines and acoustics, and technological upgrades. Executive Director Paul Wilborn said some originally planned features, such as raising the performance stage and installing an acoustic orchestra shell, were cut due to cost increases but may be added back if additional funds are raised.

The 7,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1925 as a Christian Science church and is listed on the Register of Historic Places. St. Petersburg College has operated the facility since 2007.

Construction is expected to begin in eight to 12 months, with the theater closing for approximately one year during renovations. The venue’s 180-seat downstairs cabaret room will also be affected by the closure.

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(Image credit: Tampa Bay Times)

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