NWS Breaks Ground

Despite the rain, more than 700 community members and arts supporters stepped out on January 23 in Miami Beach to congratulate the New World Symphony on its new development project, a $200 million campus. The multiphase event began with a cocktail reception in the Lincoln Theatre, followed by a brief performance and a behind-the-scenes discussion with the creative minds behind the project, including architect Frank Gehry, who joined the live conversation from the West Coast via Internet2 technology.

From there, guests were escorted to the future site of the campus, directly north of the theater. Abbey Chase and Lisa Bowser from Chase Marketing Group produced the event and turned to Event Eleven's creative design team to take a simple parking lot from drab to fab. The transformation began with EventStar constructing a large temporary structure for the main event space, as well as two side tents upon which 3-D graphics of the redevelopment plan were projected.Inside and outside the tents, Event Eleven kept the construction-chic theme alive. Industrial accents such as cinder blocks, caution tape, and authentic reflective orange construction signs were scattered throughout the area. The tables were outfitted in gunmetal-colored linens, paired with brushed-stainless-steel chairs, and topped with centerpieces containing blades of grass painted silver to look like metal.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured a jaw-dropping performance that continued the theme. NWS conductor Michael Tilson Thomas led bulldozers and forklifts through a choreographed performance that concluded with a pyrotechnic finale handled by Sparktacular Inc. To round out the evening, Lyon & Lyon Catering served a wide-ranging menu from several food stations staffed with hard-hat-clad servers.

The project, which also includes the creation of a two-acre public park and a 600-space parking garage, is set for completion in 2011.