DFAC Breaks Ground on $2.9 Million Project

Dunedin Fine Art Center broke ground Tuesday on a major, $2.9-million expansion that will add a new gallery and four multi-purpose rooms.

The Aug. 20 groundbreaking marks the third of four phases in the Dunedin Fine Art Center's expansion plan for its Michigan Avenue campus. The project, designed by Collman and Karsky Architects of Tampa, will renovate 3,686 square feet and add about 7,500 more. It means a renovation for the gallery gift shop and Palm Cafe, and adds a gallery and four studio-classrooms.

Construction is tentatively slated for completion in summer 2014.

In attendance at the ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday were DFAC’s executive director George Ann Bissett, Dunedin Commissioners Julie Scales and Ron Barnette, Florida State Representatives Ed Hooper and Carl Zimmerman, DFAC founder Syd Entel and DFAC president Charles Klein.

The project is DFAC's third phase and is made possible through a state grant award that required a $500,000 contribution from the City of Dunedin. City leaders funded the $500,000 as part of an $800,000 "quality of life" package in February, with the remainder going to the Dunedin Historical Museum and future renovation of the Blatchley House at Weaver Park.

The deal ultimately led to a 20-year lease extension from the city, also, which city leaders allowed in June because state grant award and bank loan conditions require the Art Center remain open for a minimum number of years after its completion.