Renovations coming to Plaza Live after anonymous $1M donation

ORLANDO, Fla. — An anonymous donor is helping to jump-start renovations at Orlando's Plaza Live Theater.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra purchased the Plaza in March and there had been plans for a restoration but they didn't have the money in the budget to do so.

But thanks to a $1 million anonymous donation, renovations at the Plaza can now begin.

The first phase of renovations will include new seating, fixes to a rehearsal theater, an overhaul of backstage area and upgrading office space.

Orchestra headquarters will relocate to the Plaza as well.

Channel 9 talked to the Philharmonic Orchestra's executive director, who said that without the anonymous donation, the renovations would have been on hold indefinitely.

"Well, we're so delighted," said executive director David Schillhammer. "It's just a great holiday surprise to have an anonymous donor come through with this kind of magnitude gift."

The Plaza has long played host to live acts from all genres like classic rock and jazz, and Schillhammer told Channel 9 those types of events will continue.

Schillhammer emphasized none of it would be possible if not for the generosity of the secret donor.

"We thank 'Anonymous' very, very much," he said.

The renovation work is expected to begin in March.

WFTV