Request for Information - Museums Operating in Entertainment Districts
 
        I am submitting this message for Byron Johnson, the director of
the Tampa Bay History Center which is in the process of gaining Internet
access:
 
         The Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa, Florida, is commencing a
strategic planning process that will result in a first phase construction
project.  One possible site for the institution is in an "entertainment"
district on the Bay that features an Aquarium, a hockey arena, a
convention center, cruise ship lines, a proposed retail district and two
or three projected entertainment projects.
 
        Viability of the History Center in an entertainment district is a
major concern since land is expensive and economics may require the
institution to make a significant portion of its budget through earned
income. The Center also will have to compete for non-residents with the
Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa, neighboring beaches, and the "Disney
strip" to the east with Disney World, EPCOT and SeaWorld.
 
        We would be grateful to hear from any museums or education
centers that are in entertainment districts in comparable environments,
especially their strategies for attracting visitors, profit centers for
raising revenue and challenges. Our questions include the minimum size
for an institution that will attract visitors, operating budget size, and
"survival" skills. Thanks.
 
Send responses directly to me at: [log in to unmask]
 
Or send fax message to Byron Johnson, Executive Director, The Tampa Bay
History Center, (813)223-7021. Phone number is (813)228-0097.