Pair of builders chosen for $60 million downtown theater project

A pair of construction firms, one based in the region, one national, has been chosen to build the Gulfshore Playhouse Theatre — a large part of a $60 million project.

The partners building the project are Bonita Springs-based Gates Construction and Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane. H3-Arquitectonica is providing design services.

The state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot facility, on a three-acre parcel at the corner of 1st Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road, will extend the heart of downtown Naples to the east of 9th Street, according to a statement. It’s also part of a larger plan for the city to redevelop the East of 41 downtown area.

The theater includes an expressive, sculptural design inspired by visions of the waves and sand of the Paradise Coast, the release states. Upon entering the building, patrons will be welcomed by an airy reception lobby featuring lounge areas and the theatre’s bar. The complex will include a 350-seat proscenium-style theatre, which will be used for large-cast productions while still providing intimacy and close proximity to the stage. The stage will be an equivalent size and scale as a Broadway theatre, the release adds, and will be useful for incubating productions heading to New York, when appropriate. Additionally, there will be a secondary 150-seat black box studio theatre.

The new Gulfshore Playhouse Cultural Campus is anticipated to open fall 2023.

GATES Construction has built a multitude of commercial, multifamily, industrial, health care, and club and hospitality projects over the past 28 years. It has offices in Bonita Springs, Sarasota and Palm Beach Gardens.