Frequently Asked Questions

Following our presentation in October 2018, it was recommended by the Council that we canvas the City further to ensure all possibilities were explored. As such, four sites, including the originally proposed location on Spanish River, were considered. After much consideration and discussion, Mizner Park’s north end adjacent to the amphitheater was selected as the project site. The site was chosen for many reasons, including:

• This type of cultural infrastructure was master-planned decades ago at the north end of Mizner Park. This proposed Center – a destination for culture, business, family, and community – will finally, and fully, bring to fruition Mizner Park’s founding promise as Boca Raton’s cultural center of gravity.
• Ability to support and enhance the existing complementary uses in Mizner Park and the downtown overall, such as existing retail, dining, hospitality, and multifamily residential units. Mizner Park is coming up to an inflection point and is in need of its next chapter of reinvention. This Center will provide the foot traffic so desperately needed to reduce tenant turnover in Mizner and keep Mizner thriving as a cultural hub.
• Ability to support the robust and growing tourism market due to its proximity to the major hotels in our City.
• Ability to provide additional ridership on the newly approved Brightline due to the uniqueness of this venue as a remarkable destination for several reasons.

The City Council provided our organization with unanimous conceptual support for this use at this location.

The Center for Arts & Innovation is a visionary project spearheaded by the acclaimed Renzo Piano Building Workshop, set to establish a groundbreaking hub for creativity and innovation in Boca Raton. Situated strategically at the northern edge of Mizner Park, adjacent to the Boca Raton Museum of Art, this project fulfills the long-envisioned cultural epicenter for the downtown core. It aims to seamlessly integrate creativity and innovation across four key societal pillars: arts, education, business, and community. Despite its conceptual announcement in 2018, formal approval by the City of Boca Raton was granted in October 2022, signifying its pivotal role in the city's future. Through a 94-year ground lease valued at over $30 million, the city demonstrated its commitment to this transformative endeavor. With an estimated $1.3 billion economic impact within the first five years and an anticipated half a million annual visitors, the Center is poised to redefine the cultural and economic landscape of the area. After a rigorous selection process, Renzo Piano Building Workshop was chosen as the architect in September 2023. Groundbreaking is scheduled for 2027, with completion projected for 2030. The recent unveiling of the project's initial design marks a significant milestone, with further refinement expected over the next 18 months, leading to the final schematic design by the end of 2025. While the architect of record is yet to be determined, the project's momentum signals a bright future for arts, innovation, and community engagement in Boca Raton and beyond.

Located at the culmination of Plaza Real, The Center for Arts & Innovation embodies a nexus of artistic creativity and community engagement. The three-story structure is meticulously crafted to harmonize with Boca Raton's urban landscape while accommodating a diverse array of functional needs. Its architectural design, influenced by a strategic business plan, seamlessly integrates into the city skyline, balancing urban presence with an ethereal quality. The building's dynamic interplay of mass and transparency creates a captivating visual experience, with the upper levels seemingly floating above the luminous ground floor, evoking a sense of graceful suspension akin to a ballerina. Beyond its architectural prowess, the project serves a vital civic role, beckoning both local residents and visitors alike with its welcoming and inclusive design ethos. Central to its layout is the vibrant "Piazza," a multifunctional outdoor space intended as a hub for cultural exchange and social interaction. This central gathering point extends seamlessly into the building, transforming into the Public Hall, a versatile enclosed space facilitating connectivity between different areas of the Center. The Main Venue, aligned with the Piazza, embodies flexibility, enabling a myriad of performance types within its adaptable confines. Innovation is a cornerstone of the project, with dedicated spaces fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and education. From The Cube for intimate gatherings to the covered Rooftop Terrace offering panoramic views, each floor is designed to inspire and engage. Sustainability is also paramount, with the rooftop adorned with cutting-edge solar collectors harnessing the Florida sun to produce both electricity and thermal energy. Additionally, an underground level houses a spacious parking garage, designed with future adaptability in mind. With its emphasis on flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement, The Center for Arts and Innovation stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and urban vitality in Boca Raton.

We are currently in our concept design and capital fundraising campaign phase. We expect this design phase to be completed once the city approves the current submittal. From that point, we will move into schematic design with a plan to break ground in late 2027. Based on the timing of construction, we are planning to open in 2030 and hope that you all will join us!

In acknowledgment of Earth's fragility, our project is dedicated to minimizing its carbon footprint while utilizing energy and natural resources responsibly. Our sustainability strategies encompass a comprehensive approach, including the incorporation of solar energy through 100,000 sqft of hybrid photovoltaic solar collectors capable of producing both electricity and hot water. We also integrate geothermal energy systems, prioritize natural daylighting and light harvesting within the building, and implement natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies where feasible, particularly in areas like the main lobby, offices, and artist residences. Enhanced thermal performance of the building envelope, roof, and facades, along with solar heat gain mitigation techniques such as motorized shading and coated glass, contribute to our energy efficiency goals. Additionally, we employ process heat recovery methods and ice generation and storage to alleviate peak hour electrical cooling demand. Embracing electrical power over fossil fuels for physical plant systems, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and the use of renewable or locally sourced materials are integral components of our sustainable design. Employing life cycle analysis enables us to measure, track, and reduce CO2 emissions, while initiatives like compacting building volume and footprint facilitate tree planting and promote evapotranspiration, reducing the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, our commitment to urban mobility includes exploring the integration of a station for a new generation of electrical aerial public transportation system, providing direct exterior access to the roof of the building. Central to our approach is a profound respect for nature, driving our efforts to enhance its presence within the urban landscape.

Parking has been a significant consideration in the design of our project. The Center is working with the City and Mizner Park to consider the parking needs for what is needed not just today but also for tomorrow’s residents and visitors. 

Our goal is to create a transformative cultural hub that benefits both our audiences and the surrounding community. The synergy between The Center and Mizner Park will foster a vibrant, interconnected experience, drawing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the best of both worlds. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration presents and are dedicated to delivering a premier destination that enriches the cultural fabric of Boca Raton.

Parking at The Center for Arts & Innovation in Mizner Park will be convenient and luxurious for our guests. We are dedicated to enhancing the audience experience, and to that end, The Center will feature a valet lounge where attendees can wait for their vehicles in comfort and style. Valet parking will be available to all visitors, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit from arrival to departure.

For those who prefer to self-park, Mizner Park offers ample parking options throughout the area. These facilities are easily accessible and located just a short walk from The Center, providing additional convenience and flexibility for our guests. Whether you choose valet or self-parking, we are committed to making your visit as pleasant as possible. Our focus is on delivering a premier experience that reflects the high standards of The Center for Arts & Innovation. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring a memorable visit.

The Center for the Arts & Innovation means business for Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, the Gold Coast, and the SE region of the United States. In its first 5 years, the Center will:

• Produce over $1.3 billion in overall economic benefits
• Support over 12,000 jobs with the workers in these jobs earning incomes of $513.5 million. 
• Attract over 274,000 business travelers representing the creative and tech industries and academia to meetings and events.
• Retain 94,000 local residents who otherwise would likely travel elsewhere to attend events. 
• Attract over 1.2 million visitors and retain the spending of over 382,000 local residents in the Palm Beach County economy.
• Exceed $894 million in tourist and retained resident spending.
• Attract over 2.1 million hotel room nights resulting in over $441 million in spending on lodging.

By year 5, the spending of visitors and retained locals, plus the operations of the Center, is projected to support over 3,200 jobs with incomes of about $136.5 million. The overall annual economic benefits will amount to $342.5 million. Assuming these benefits will continue into the future, the Center could generate $10.3 billion in economic benefits to the local economy over a 30-year period beyond the first 5. 

Thanks to our exceptional partnership with The Projects Group, we have ensured that our budgeting is supported by accurate, current regional pricing. The current concept design has been submitted to the City of Boca Raton for thorough review and approval. This crucial step will provide us with a clearer understanding of the costs, ensuring that we remain within our planned budget and adhere to our timeline. As we continue to refine the design, we eagerly anticipate finalizing these details, which will allow us to proceed confidently towards the groundbreaking phase. Our commitment to precision and collaboration with city officials underscores our dedication to delivering a future-forward creativity campus for the community.

We are very grateful to anyone who would want to be involved in this exciting, transformative, and legacy project. Those who get behind this effort are the individuals and foundations that enable us to re-imagine what it means to experience culture here in Boca Raton, provide us the opportunity to explore the many economic benefits that exciting and quality multi-use performance venues and facilities can bring to our City, and help towards fulfilling the dreams of many residents.

We welcome you to CREATE WITH US by contacting us at [email protected].

We are happy to have the opportunity to fill the gaps of other cultural arts centers, but we are designed to host so much more. Our objective is to build and operate an innovative, vital, and flexible cultural campus that transcends function to enable creativity with no boundaries.

Our vision for The Center is to have flexible space that can be used to create unforgettable audience experiences in our Main Venue which can seat up to 1,500 and provide an experience for 3,000 as general admission attendees. Our Piazza can be combined to create an extension of the experiences happening in the Main Venue creating a comfortable space for 3,500. 

Our vision for The Center for Arts & Innovation is to create a versatile space designed to deliver unforgettable audience experiences. The Main Venue, which can accommodate up to 1,500 seated guests, offers an adaptable setting that can be reimagined to suit a variety of programs and events. Additionally, the venue can expand to accommodate 3,000 attendees in a general admission format, providing ample flexibility to cater to different audience sizes and event types.

Furthermore, our Piazza serves as a dynamic extension of the Main Venue, seamlessly integrating with the primary space to enhance the overall experience. This additional area allows us to comfortably host up to 3,500 guests, ensuring that large-scale events can be executed with ease and sophistication. The combination of these spaces not only maximizes capacity but also enriches the ambiance, making each event uniquely memorable.

We are committed to offering a state-of-the-art facility that adapts to the evolving needs of our diverse programming. Whether hosting intimate performances or large gatherings, The Center will provide an exceptional environment that fosters creativity, engagement, and enjoyment for all attendees. Our innovative approach to space utilization underscores our dedication to delivering world-class cultural and artistic experiences.

Our vision for The Center is to have flexible space that can be used to create unforgettable audience experiences in our Main Venue which can seat up to 1,500 and provide an experience for 3,000 as general admission attendees. 

Our vision for The Center for Arts & Innovation is to create a versatile space designed to deliver unforgettable audience experiences. The Main Venue, which can accommodate up to 1,500 seated guests, offers an adaptable setting that can be reimagined to suit a variety of programs and events. 

The current amphitheater will be reimagined with The Center for Arts & Innovation offering a transformative vision that preserves the past and presents the future. The Center design suggests increased visibility and audience experience that will support year round performances. Today’s attendees at the current amphitheater will enjoy an elevated experience that can be enjoyed during the hot summer days or cool rainy nights. 

At its core, The Center for Arts & Innovation is driven by a deep commitment to building strong and vibrant communities where everyone feels connected, supported, and valued. With a focus on inclusion, diversity, and civic engagement, the center aims to foster a sense of belonging and empower individuals to come together to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Central to the center’s community initiatives is a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to the transformative power of the arts and innovation regardless of their background or circumstances. Through outreach programs, partnerships with community organizations, and targeted initiatives, the center will work to break down barriers to participation and create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels represented and celebrated.

In addition to its efforts to promote inclusivity, The Center for Arts & Innovation will also serve as a hub for civic engagement and social action. Through forums, town hall meetings, and community-led initiatives, the center will provide a platform for dialogue and debate on key issues facing the community, empowering residents to come together to drive positive change and create a better future for all.

Furthermore, the center will prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship, working with community members to protect and preserve the natural resources that make Boca Raton such a special place to live, work, and play.

By fostering a sense of belonging, promoting civic engagement, and embracing sustainability, The Center for Arts & Innovation seeks to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Through its programs, partnerships, and initiatives, the center aims to build bridges, foster connections, and inspire a spirit of collaboration and cooperation that transcends boundaries and strengthens the fabric of the community.

This project is made possible through the generous support of the City of Boca Raton, which has provided the site for the development. A significant component of our fundraising campaign is to secure gifts from individuals, corporations, and private foundations, as well as public grants and potential naming opportunities for The Center and its spaces. The campaign is designed to ensure that The Center is a community-owned project, with broad-based support and engagement from residents, businesses, and stakeholders who recognize the transformative impact of a world-class cultural and innovation hub in Boca Raton. We have already made substantial progress, with strong early commitments and enthusiasm from various sectors. The project's success relies on continued community involvement and contributions, reflecting our collective vision for a thriving cultural and economic future.