Having already secured more than half of the $6 million dollar goal, the Enzian Forever project aims to secure finale funding and expand reach with 2 new screens.
By Jacob Engels
Just as the Enzian Theater in Maitland is kicking off their 30th anniversary this week, theater officials have announced their plan for a massive expansion that would include 2 new screens, an additional kitchen, larger lobby area, more handicap parking and an introduction of a citrus grove.
The effort, billed as “Enzian Forever,” has already gathered $3.6 million. The Martin Anderson Foundation, Randall and Carolyn Crouch, Jeffrey C. Shcneck, Allen and Linda Keen, and several other local heavy hitters are responsible for raising coin so far. The $6 million dollar end goal includes an allotment for a cash reserve.
Award-winning architect Malcom Holzman has been hired to oversee the expansion. Holzman is known for building theaters that are evocative in nature, while also earning praise for their technical superiority.
In addition to the structural improvements, Enzian will also be reintroducing several native species to the property. Valet parking and more restrooms will also be included in the building plan.
“Enzian is currently busting at the seems; our reach limited by our single screen. We serve over 110,000 people annually with programs offered by no other organization. Expansion to three screens allows us to offer more of what our friends want,” said Enzian President Henry Maldonado.
The theater has established the Enzian Forever Leadership Council to usher in more funding and monitor the project until its completion. The council is lead by Full Sail University’s Edward E. Haddock and counts Jeffry Fuqua, Allan E. Keen, T. Picton Warlow IV, Henry Maldonado, the Tiedtke Family, and Edye-Murhpy Haddock as it’s other members.
Project Manager and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Tiedtke Mukherjee said the theater will remain committed to maintaining a sense of place at Enzian, where friends come together to appreciate and discuss film.
To learn more about the Enzian Forever project, click here. Check back later in the week for our interview with Sigrid Tiedtke, where we will take a more in-depth look at the project and it’s goals.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
