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Renderings reveal look of new arts center plaza

ORLANDO, Fla. — New renderings just made public reveal what the new CNL Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts will look like.
 
On Wednesday the CNL band, comprised of company executives, took to a temporary stage to set the tone for what the outdoor plaza will become.
 
The plaza is being called the theater before the theater.  
 
"We want it to be a place for free performances and an invitation for people to actually come into the arts center," said Kathy Ramsberger, arts center president.
 
The space will bear the CNL name because of a $10 million contribution from the company.
 
Once completed the plaza should accommodate up to 3,000 people. Retail space is set to go up along the sides of the plaza.
 
"It's actually being designed as our fourth theater so the buildings that surround it will have fantastic balconies and really shape a fantastic room," said Ramsberger.
 
Officials said the center has plans to offer 20 free shows in the open air theater.
 
Officials hope to have the plaza complete in time for a grand opening in November.