Town Council members question scope of Playhouse demolition

by William Kelly
Communications Coordinator

Town Council members expressed surprise and concern Tuesday at the extensive demolition performed on the landmarked Royal Poinciana Playhouse.

The playhouse has been undergoing exterior and interior demolition as part of a redevelopment plan approved by the Landmarked Preservation Commission in 2022. Plans call for converting it into a new 400-seat cultural arts center with retail and gallery space and a 200-seat waterfront restaurant.

Town Councilwoman Julie Araskog said at Tuesday’s council meeting that the extent of the demolition appeared to her to have exceeded the plans approved by the commission.

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