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FORT MYERS — In the latest example of creative reuse of commercial real estate in the region, particularly in shopping malls, Bell Tower has provided space for the Southwest Florida Symphony.
The open-air shopping center, operated by MadisonMarquette, has provided the symphony with the use of a 4,254-square-foot storefront for ongoing artistic and operations activities, according to a statement. The space, which includes a satellite box office for the symphony, will be used for both professional and youth orchestral rehearsals, auditions and small performances, the release adds.
“Bell Tower’s longtime partnership with the Southwest Florida Symphony has led to this partnership which will benefit the Fort Myers community by bolstering the arts,” Bell Tower Marketing Manager Julie Clark says in the statement. “By providing the Southwest Florida Symphony with much-needed space for rehearsals and small-scale performances, we are bringing this beloved professional orchestra to Bell Tower, marrying the beauty of symphonic music with the art of shopping and dining in a way that will be truly meaningful and enjoyable for our mutual guests.”
The symphony will continue to perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for other shows, concerts and events.
“We’re so grateful to Bell Tower’s management for its generosity and visionary thinking, and we’re excited about what the future holds for us both,” says Amy Ginsburg, executive director of the symphony, in the release. “Bell Tower has always been a beautiful, upscale center of commerce. We envision patrons and Youth Orchestra families shopping and strolling through the shopping center before concerts or while observing rehearsals. They’ll attend our events, then stay on the property for a post-concert dinner and drinks. It’s the perfect marriage of two Southwest Florida icons, and a unique and exciting way to engage youth and families in the arts while enhancing the lives of Fort Myers residents and visitors.”
Earlier this year, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank also granted the symphony use of 2,100 square feet of administrative office space for three years. While moving some of its administrative functions into the new space, the Symphony will continue to conduct business operations from its 7500 College Parkway location as well, the release states.
The Southwest Florida Symphony, founded in 1961, is the only professional symphony orchestra in Lee County and one of the oldest on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tenants at Bell Tower, which offers retail, dining and entertainment options, include The Fresh Market, Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, DaRuMa Japanese Steak House and Sushi Lounge, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, World of Beer, Dave & Buster’s and a 20-screen Regal Cinemas complex.
Unrelated to the Bell Tower/symphony space, Rise Above Performing Arts, a youth-based theatre group in Sarasota, recently took over the former Naples Flatbread restaurant at Westfield Siesta Key in Sarasota for practices and performances.
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