Star Suites By Riverside Theatre Is Now Open!

By: Mar. 28, 2019
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Star Suites By Riverside Theatre Is Now Open!

The Board of Trustees of Riverside Theatre, Producing Artistic Director Allen D. Cornell, and Managing Director Jon R. Moses announce the opening of Star Suites by Riverside Theatre.

On Monday, March 4th, Star Suites by Riverside Theatre had its ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of this 60 one-bedroom suite facility, primarily created to accommodate out-of-town actors, designers, directors and artists that work or perform at Riverside Theatre. The project, situated between Historic Dodgertown and Vero Beach Regional Airport, includes a center courtyard, clubhouse, laundry and fitness facilities, as well as a garden terrace for outside gatherings.

"The Star Suites project will lead the Theatre into the 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 struggled to find adequate, affordable, and available housing for guest artists."

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."

Over the last few years as the quality of productions increased, Riverside Theatre leased 25 apartments on a year-round basis to house artists. It also sustained a partnership at the height of the season with SpringHill Suites by Marriott when more rooms were needed.

With annual rental costs continuing to escalate rapidly, Riverside had 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 had gotten very tight over the last few years with short term leasing unavailable at the quality level required. The Theatre rented at eight different locations in the area and functioned as a hotel since it furnished, cleaned, and maintained each apartment throughout the year.

Ray McGowan, long-time Board of Trustees member and past Board President, served as the project's board liaison overseeing every aspect of the construction.

Keith Kite, a longtime supporter of Riverside and owner of Kite Properties, 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 now that it is open.

"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 was the architectural firm which designed the facility with Kimley-Horn serving as the civil engineers and Proctor Construction as construction manager.

Star Suites by Riverside Theatre is located at 2550 Flight Safety Drive in Vero Beach, FL 32960. For more information, visit StarSuitesVeroBeach.com or reservestarsuites@riversidetheatre.com.



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