ORLANDO DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS HOST ‘NEXT ROUND’ FUNDRAISER AT CITY HALL

WHAT:                       The construction of the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPPAC) in downtown Orlando requires the demolition of the iconic AmericanFederal Building, aka, “The Round Building”.  Located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Anderson Street, The Round Building is a stunning example of mid-century modern architectureand expresses the evolution of The City Beautiful.

The City of Orlando and The Nils M. Schweizer Fellows, a non-profit group comprising design enthusiasts, is hosting a fundraising event called the “Next Round” to solicit donations for the removal, storage and repurposing of the “brise soleil” panels.  The brise soleil is the decorative, honeycomb-shaped band that spans the exterior perimeter of the Round Building. The goal of this effort is to have all 120 panels of brise soleil saved and repurposed. 

Part of the repurposing plan is to use the panels in other applications around the city such as public art, a decorative path or as a shield from the sun (its original purpose) at one of the new Sun Rail Stations. Numerous ideas are under consideration; however, the goal is to preserve this piece of history before The Round Building is demolished.

WHEN:                      Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT)

WHERE:                    Orlando City Hall Rotunda

                                    400 S. Orange Ave.

                                    Orlando, FL 32801

WHO:                         The Nils M. Schweizer Fellows is a non-profit corporation group of design enthusiasts united to promote awareness and seek the preservation of Central Florida’s mid-century modern architecture. The Fellows meet monthly to discuss and identify the works of architects such as, Nils M. Schweizer, Frank Sheehy, Robert Murphy, Lowell Lotspeich and Fred Lopatka and to develop preservation strategies for their works.  Working to preserve Florida’s mid-century modern architecture and advancing knowledge today, in modern architecture and design.

FUNDS TO-DATE:Commissioner Sheehan has pledged a matching grant of up to $70,000. Donations are being sought from corporations, organizations and individuals to consider sponsoring one or more of the panels at a donation of $2,500 each. Donors’ name(s) will eventually be recognized on a bronze plaque.

WEBSITE:                www.nextround.org

FACEBOOK:            facebook.com/nextround

REGISTRATION:    https://nextround.everbrite.com/

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