The Transformation Begins August 1, 2026
The Palladium at St. Petersburg College is preparing for a major historic renovation that will transform our century-old venue into a beautifully restored, acoustically enhanced concert hall for future generations.
After years of planning, fundraising, and community support, we have reached a major milestone: construction begins August 1, 2026.
Our $13 million transformation campaign continues as we work to carry this project across the finish line – and we invite you to be part of what comes next.
Launched with a transformative $5 million challenge grant from the Hough Family Foundation, the campaign has grown into a broad community effort supported by private donors, civic leaders, public investment, and arts lovers across our region.
Programming continues in Hough Concert Hall and the Side Door Cabaret through July 31.
The Palladium anticipates reopening in fall 2027 following completion of the renovation.
What’s Changing?
The Palladium has always been a place where music, storytelling, and community come to life. With these upgrades, we’re making sure every performance will be more comfortable, more immersive, and more connected – from the first note to the final bow.
- Completely new seating throughout Hough Concert Hall
- Improved sightlines and audience comfort
- Enhanced acoustics and sound performance
- A new coffered ceiling and architectural enhancements
- State-of-the-art production and theatrical technology
- Infrastructure and accessibility improvements
- Preservation of the building’s historic architectural character
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
For more than 100 years, this building has been part of the story of St. Petersburg.
Originally constructed in 1925 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, the building was designed by architect Howard Lovewell Cheney and features significant Arts and Crafts architectural details, including historic tilework by Ernest A. Batchelder.
Since becoming the Palladium Theater in 1998 and later a department of St. Petersburg College, the venue has grown into one of the region’s leading cultural institutions. This renovation will preserve the character and spirit of the historic building while creating a dramatically improved experience for the next generation of audiences and artists.
Renovation Timeline
- Now through July 31, 2026: Performances continue in Hough Concert Hall and the Side Door Cabaret.
- August 1, 2026: Construction begins on the Palladium’s historic renovation.
- Fall 2027: The Palladium anticipates reopening following completion of the renovation project.
Be Part of the Transformation
The Palladium has always been your home for music, storytelling, and community – now, you can help shape its future.
As construction begins, we are inviting the community to help complete the final phase of our $13 million campaign through seat dedications, leadership naming opportunities, capital campaign gifts, and Friends of the Palladium annual fund support.
Ways to Give
Support Friends of the Palladium
Friends of the Palladium is our annual fund, supporting the performances, artists, and programs that keep the Palladium connected to the community through this important transition and beyond.
Name a Seat
Dedicate a seat in the newly renovated Hough Concert Hall with a personalized engraved brass plaque. Seat dedications are a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, recognize a business, or leave your own legacy at the Palladium. Learn more
Explore a Naming Opportunity
Leadership naming opportunities are available for individuals, families, and businesses who want to make a lasting impact on the future of the theater.
Make a Capital Campaign Gift
Every gift helps move the Palladium closer to its $13 million goal and supports the transformation of this beloved community venue.
Together, let’s create a space where every performance feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Leave Your Legacy – Leadership Naming Opportunities
Leadership Naming Opportunities offer a meaningful way to support the Palladium’s transformation while honoring a loved one, celebrating your family, recognizing your business, or showing your commitment to the arts in St. Petersburg.
Opportunities are available for individuals, families, and businesses and may be pledged and fulfilled over a period of up to three years.
| NAMING OPPORTUNITY | GIFT LEVEL | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| Side Door Cabaret | $1,000,000 | Available |
| Main Lobby | $1,000,000 | Available |
| Breezeway Promenade | $100,000 | Available |
| Balcony in Hough Concert Hall | $100,000 | Available |
| Palladium Annex | $100,000 | Available |
| Grand Staircase | $75,000 | Available |
| Principal Dressing Room 1 | $75,000 | Available |
| Principal Dressing Room 2 | $75,000 | Available |
| Green Room | $50,000 | Available |
| Dressing Room 3 | $50,000 | Available |
| Dressing Room 4 | $50,000 | Available |
| Administration Office | $25,000 | Available |
| Elevator Lobby Downstairs | $25,000 | Available |
| Elevator Lobby Upstairs | $25,000 | Available |
| Elevator | $25,000 | Available |
| Operations Office | $25,000 | Available |
| Donor Recognition Wall | $25,000 | Available |
| Side Door Kitchen | $20,000 | Available |
| Ushers Office | $15,000 | Available |
| Lighting Station | $15,000 | Available |
| Admin Restrooms (2) | $10,000 | Available |
To explore available naming opportunities, contact Kiara Byron at by*********@*******ge.edu or Paul Wilborn at wi**********@*******ge.edu.
The St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees authorizes key naming opportunities to express the Palladium and the St. Petersburg College Foundation’s gratitude for your generous philanthropic support. Donors are encouraged to choose one naming gift at their gift level. Family gifts may be combined for naming purposes. Naming plaques will be displayed for as long as St. Petersburg College operates the building as an education and performing arts center.
Already Committed: Palladium Theater, Concert Hall, Stavros Great Room, Orchestra Shell & Stage, Portico Entrance, Performance Loft, Palladium Courtyard, Lobby Bar, Side Door Concessions, Director’s Office, Parking Lot, Box Office, Technical Workshop, Sound Station, Palladium Workshop, Disabled Restroom, Lobby Women’s Room, Lobby Men’s Room.
Campaign Committee
- Keith Bucklew
- Irv Cohen
- Gina Driscoll
- Deborah Fineman
- Bob Glaser
- Tom Gribbin
- Kanika Jelks-Tomalin
- Diane Morton
- David Ramsey
- Susan Reiter
- Jon Reno LaBudde
- Rhonda Whitehead
Paul Wilborn, Executive Director, Wi**********@*******ge.edu
