Broward Center renovations begin

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Construction crews are ready to strike parts of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to make the venue more state-of-the-art.

A massive $50 million renovation and revitalization project is underway, which is expected to continue until February of 2014. When completed, an educational center for the arts and a pavilion by the river will be part of the landmark venue.

Right now, the focus is on the Au-Rene Theater, which will be completely renovated in time for the Miami City Ballet on Oct. 26. If you come, you can expect plusher seats, better sound quality and other hi-tech advancements.

Scott Butler, the architect behind the renovation noted, "The most substantial improvement is you're inserting a club level up on the mezzanine."

Butler said those sitting in that premium location can expect added comfort. "The club level is a dedicated lounge/bar with seats that will have slightly better comfort," he said. "They'll be a few inches wider. They'll have different fabric on them, so they'll be identifiable from the audience."

Official groundbreaking will take place Thursday. at 6 p.m., inside, center stage.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)