Construction of the Performing Arts Center of Greater Miami is running behind schedule and flaws in workmanship -- including a problem that could jeopardize the acoustical quality -- have pushed up the cost of the long-awaited center. The grand opening, originally set for October 2004, has now been pushed to February 2006.

The construction budget that Miami-Dade County wanted to cap at $208 million as recently as 2000 has grown to $254.6 million, and land costs, a contingency fund, and management, design and other fees have pushed the overall cost of the project to an estimated $344 million.

In this week's cover story , reporters Gregg Fields and Fred Tasker look at the costs of building the cultural complex on Biscayne Boulevard and the challenges ahead in operating it in the black.

You'll find charts detailing the construction budget and the anticipated revenue for the project, as well as an operating budget once the center is open. Now, more than 28 months before the PAC's gala opening, it faces an annual $2.7 million deficit.

On the positive side, the Performing Arts Center has the potential to change the cultural landscape of this community and revive a neighborhood on the fringe of downtown Miami.

Already, the shape of things to come can be seen. Fields and Tasker toured the construction site last week with Gail Thompson, the project director. The interiors of the symphony hall and ballet opera house are taking shape; the large plazas where theater-goers will one day chat between acts already offer magnificent views of the skyline and Government Cut.

As part of the cover package, reporter Doug Hanks reports on nearby loft and condominium projects on the drawing board. Restaurateurs have begun to move in, too.

Obviously, a lot is at stake in seeing this project bear fruit.

We'll keep asking the hard questions. We hope you do too.

Fuente: The Miami Herald
Noviembre - 2003