A historic building in downtown Bradenton could become the first part of a performing arts university campus next year. Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the transfer of the former General Telephone (GTE) Building, located at 1009 Fourth Avenue W., to the City of Bradenton to be used as a performing arts conservatory for Point Park University.
Though the building is valued at around $1.25 million, the county gifted the building to the city, provided that it is used within five years for education, workforce development and community opportunities. “This is a great opportunity with a school that’s been proven to work, with a city that we have a close relationship with,” Commissioner George Kruse said at Tuesday’s meeting, adding that the building is currently unused by the county.
Earlier this month, City of Bradenton officials announced plans to bring a Bradenton satellite campus for the Pittsburgh-based Point Park University. The small, private university is largely known for its Conservatory of Performing Arts.
City officials say Bradenton’s Community Redevelopment Agency will bear the cost of renovating the building, which is expected to cost up to $3 million.