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Downtown Arts District Moving Headquarters to Rogers Kiene Building
Organization poised to continue growth of the arts in downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 25, 2018) – Today, the City of Orlando agreed to lease the Rogers Kiene Building to the Downtown Arts District (DAD), a dedicated nonprofit for advancing arts and economic development in the City of Orlando. DAD’s operations will move two blocks from the corner of Pine St. and Orange Ave. into the building space known as The Gallery at Avalon Island, which is located on the corner of Pine St. and Magnolia Ave.

“We are thrilled with this opportunity as the City of Orlando has helped us find a new home for our headquarter operations,” said Barbara Hartley, DAD’s executive director. “We’ll continue our mission to showcase and grow the arts in the City Beautiful – and now at a significantly reduced rent cost. The cost-savings will enable us to become even more creative with our offerings and we are excited to bring even more creativity to the area.”

Built in 1886, the Rogers Kiene Building was once home to the English Club, which sponsored dances, theater, and other events. It was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Ford Kiene, president of City Beverages Limited Partnership, purchased the building in 1999 and restored it to house the Gallery at Avalon Island, which is part of the Downtown Arts District. Kiene gifted the building to the City of Orlando in January 2018 under the premise that it specifically be used for the arts.

“Here in Orlando, we strive to incorporate the arts into everything we do as a community as well as increase arts and cultural opportunities,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.  “The Downtown Arts District (DAD) has been an important partner with the city and Downtown Development Board in growing Orlando's burgeoning arts and culture scene. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DAD as we work together to further cultivate the arts in our vibrant downtown.”

DAD will continue to operate the monthly Third Thursday Gallery Hop out of its current location through Thursday, Nov. 15. Beginning Dec. 1, DAD will operate the CityArts Factory out of the Rogers Kiene Building (formerly The Gallery at Avalon Island).

“Our goal is to maximize the current space with office conversions and minor interior upgrades while utilizing every inch of the 7,600 sq. ft. space – inside and outside,” stated Hartley. “We’re developing how we can utilize the outdoor alleyway next to the building and how we can provide even more support to local artists.”

This move will enable DAD’s continued growth of the arts in downtown Orlando and bring the historic corner of Pine St. and Magnolia Ave. to life. “We are moving to the most beautiful and historic corner in downtown Orlando that has a vibrant pedestrian community,” stated Jim Lussier, DAD board president. “Our transition to this corner will breathe new life into this part of the city due to the established and upcoming programming through the District.”

DAD’s plans for the CityArts Factory at the Rogers Kiene Building are under development and will be released in the Fall.

Click here for more information about the Downtown Arts District.

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