Palladium Theater Secures $2.5M Grant for Major Renovation

The historic Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College is poised for a major transformation after securing a $2.5 million grant from the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council. The funding, approved unanimously by county commissioners, completes the $13 million renovation plan for the 815-seat venue, which has long served as an affordable community hub for arts and performances in downtown St. Petersburg.

The renovations will modernize seating, sightlines and acoustics, along with additional technological and cosmetic upgrades.

Originally built in 1925 as a Christian Science church and listed on the Register of Historic Places, The Palladium became a theater in 1998 and has been operated by SPC since 2007. The venue hosts a range of performances, from opera and ballet to community events, generating over $14 million annually in local economic impact.

Palladium Executive Director Paul Wilborn emphasized the importance of the project: “We’ve been very successful, but we were limited in that we were a church with a stage, essentially. People didn’t like the seats, people didn’t like the sound when it was heavily amplified … we’re addressing all that.”

The renovation will replace all 850 seats with vintage-style yet comfortable options, adjust the seating slope for improved sightlines and upgrade lighting and acoustics. The project will also enhance SPC’s performing arts technology program, allowing students hands-on experience with new professional audio systems, such as the Yamaha Rivage PM5, DM7 and DM3.

Construction is expected to begin in July 2026, with the theater closing for approximately one year. Wilborn noted that additional elements, such as raising the stage and adding an acoustic orchestra shell, may be added as funding allows.

“Because we’re part of a state college, you can’t just build something on pledges,” said Wilborn. “This county grant allowed us to greenlight the project.”

Once complete, the Palladium will stand as a premier performing arts venue in the Tampa Bay area while continuing its educational and community mission, blending historic charm with modern amenities for audiences and performers alike.