Groundbreaking at FORDify the Arts Courtyard in downtown Orlando.

Media Release — On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 9:30am, Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 and 5 Commissioners Patty Sheehan and Shan Rose will commemorate the groundbreaking of the FORDify the Arts Courtyard at the historic Rogers Kiene Building on the corner of Pine St. and Magnolia Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The FORDify the Arts Courtyard Project was first conceived by Dr. Paul Skomsky, a retired dentist, artist and Board member of the Downtown Arts District (D.A.D.) The Downtown Arts District and CityArts is headquartered in the Rogers Kiene Building — the oldest commercial building in Orlando (circa 1886) and site of the future courtyard. The architectural gem is listed on the National Historic Registry and was meticulously restored, then donated to the City of Orlando by local businessman and philanthropist, Ford Kiene, prior to his death in 2022. With oversight from D.A.D., the FORDify the Arts project was able to raise funds from private contributions and fundraising, as well as from City, County and State grants. 

Dr. Skomsky, who acted as the project’s manager said: “This idea began as a tribute to Ford Kiene but so many individuals and organizations contributed along the way that the initial idea snowballed. That was a good thing!” Dr. Skomsky credits Ryan Young, AIA, of Interstruct Design + Build for aggressively sticking with a charitable endeavor that has been on the drawing table for five years! Former D.A.D. Immediate Past President and FORDify team member, Flynn Dobbs, added: “It just made sense to transform a tired, broken-down parking area into a workable community space to compliment the beautiful Rogers Kiene Building. The area can also be used by CityArts and D.A.D. for private events and art related activities. It’s a win for everyone!”

A major boost to this project was provided to the FORDify the Arts team when Lincoln Property Company agreed to grant them salvage rights during the demolition of the Church Street Ballroom in 2023. As a result, the Interstruct/FORDify team was able to collect over 6,000 antique street bricks, wrought iron, gating and various accessories to secure materials and design elements for construction. Says Interstruct Design + Build CEO Ryan Young, “Our entire team is thrilled to be part of this project where architecture transforms an underutilized cement parking into something unique and exciting. The Courtyard will forever be a part of downtown and promises to be a beautiful addition that supports our growing arts community in Orlando.”

Young adds, “Our vision and design for the FORDify the Arts Courtyard Project has evolved over the last five years, dramatically enhanced through the repurposing of materials from the former Church Street Ballroom. Dr. Paul has led the charge to ensure that materials such as the steel archways and bricks have been properly salvaged and stored so we can incorporate downtown’s history into its future story.”

Dr. Skomsky expanded that thought, ” I think the exclamation point to this 5-year adventure is a resounding salute to Orlando’s Bob Snow, the man behind the old Church Street Station and the Church Street Ballroom. It’s a special honor to move that part of Orlando’s history forward and to combine it with the oldest building in town. I think it’s great for the arts district!”

Barbara Hartley, Executive Director of D.A.D. mirrored those thoughts: “This has been a long time coming. It’s so rewarding to finally have everything come together. This will be a fabulous addition to the expanding arts and culture downtown.”

The FORDify the Arts Courtyard is expected to be completed by November 2024.

Contact: Dr. Paul Skomsky, 407-758-9987

Orlando Business Journal

Unique downtown arts space starts construction. July 10, 2024