ORLANDO, Fla.,None — The city of Orlando is investing nearly half a million dollars to move a theatre into Church Street Station.
The city made a deal to move the Mad Cow Theatre from its current location on South Magnolia Avenue.
The city will put up nearly half a million dollars to renovate a building on Church Street.
The entire job will cost $1.3 million.
At least $700,000 will come from the private sector and $100,000 from public funds.
Taxpayers WFTV spoke with had mixed reactions.
"Well other people don't have the same opportunities and that's sort of a problem,” said Kate Lanahan.
"This is all about generating revenue for the city,” said Richard Lanahan. “It's a good thing."
The city said the money being given to Mad Cow isn’t a loan. The city said it’s loaning itself the money through its Community Redevelopment Agency.
Mad Cow will have to repay $480,000 to the city with interest. If the theater can't pay up, it will be evicted.
The theatre wouldn’t comment on the status Thursday night.
“So the improvements that go into that space are improving space that belongs to the city,” said Thomas Chatmon of the city of Orlando.
The city plans to start the renovations in January.
Mad Cow hopes to schedule performances starting next fall.