Riverside Theatre Announces 'Star Suites' Actor's Housing Project

The Board of Trustees of Riverside Theatre, Producing Artistic Director Allen D. Cornell, and Managing Director Jon R. Moses announce Star Suites by Riverside Theatre, an Actor's Housing Project.

Star Suites by Riverside Theatre, a 60 one bedroom suite facility, is an enterprise primarily created to accommodate out-of-town actors, designers, directors and artists that work or perform at Riverside Theatre. The project will include a center courtyard, clubhouse, and garden terrace for outside gatherings.

"This Actor's Village is a project that will lead the Theatre into our future," says Heidi Waxlax, President of the Board of Trustees. "It is an essential component to secure the continuous operation of our Theatre. We needed to find a solution to the logistical difficulties faced by our staff and management who struggle to find adequate, affordable, and available housing for guest artists - a major component to our success."

Allen D. Cornell stated, "Riverside is truly fortunate to have a Board of Trustees with not only the expertise to plan a project of this scale, but, also, the fundraising commitment to bring it to reality."

Currently, Riverside Theatre leases 25 apartments on a year-round basis to house artists. It also sustains a partnership at the height of the season with SpringHill Suites by Marriott when more rooms are needed.

With annual rental costs continuing to escalate rapidly, Riverside has been looking for a permanent solution to cover the Theatre's needs of over 10,000 room nights every year.

The rental housing market in Vero Beach has gotten very tight over the last few years with short term leasing unavailable at the quality level required. The Theatre rents at 8 different locations in the area and functions as a hotel since it furnishes, cleans, and maintains each apartment throughout the year.

Keith Kite, a longtime supporter of Riverside and owner of Kite Properties, has provided the Theatre his expertise in developing the project that will help the Theatre's growing needs. He has provided assistance in estimating the capital and operational costs of the facility and will help manage the property after construction is completed.

"Kite Properties is pleased to be working with Riverside Theater on their Star Suites project," Said Mr. Kite. "Not only will it serve the theatre's housing needs for actors, but will also be a welcome addition as an extended stay hotel serving the Vero Beach community."

During select times when rooms are not being used by artists, they will be made available to the public.

LLW Architects, Inc. of Memphis has been selected as the architectural firm designing the facility with Kimley-Horn serving as the civil engineers and Proctor Construction as construction manager.

Funds are being raised now with a ground breaking expected to take place in November 2017. The facility will be completed by October 2018, in time for the start of the Theatre's 2018-2019 Season.

Star Suites by Riverside Theatre will be located on the corner of Aviation Boulevard and Flight Safety Drive, adjacent to Historic Dodgertown and less than a mile from the Vero Beach Regional Airport Terminal.

Tax deductible donations or multi-year pledges are being accepted for the project and should be made out to Riverside Theatre, Inc. For more information on donations for Star Suites by Riverside Theatre, contact Kate Gill at kateg@riversideheatre.com or by phone at 772-410-0481. For more information on the project, contact Raymond J. McGowan at raysr@themcgowans.com or by phone at 772-453-9524.

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