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Melrose Center Marks 10 Years of Creativity in Orlando

The Melrose Center has become a hub for creativity and innovation in Orlando.

News Summary

The Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, and Creativity in downtown Orlando proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary. Opened in 2014, this 26,000 square-foot hub has become a vital resource for technology education and creative expression. Offering state-of-the-art facilities for filmmakers, podcasters, and creators of all kinds, the center promotes informal learning and skill development. Despite being an ‘open secret,’ its comprehensive programs continue to attract community members eager to explore their creative passions.

Melrose Center Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation and Creativity in Downtown Orlando

Orlando residents and visitors are celebrating the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, and Creativity, which recently marked its 10th anniversary in downtown Orlando. Located on the second floor of the Orlando Public Library, the Melrose Center has become a vital hub for technology education, innovation, and creative expression since its opening in 2014.

Spanning 26,000 square feet, the Melrose Center was established through a generous donation from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation. The center aims to enhance the library’s role in informal learning, focusing on technology and practical skills development. It offers an array of resources for residents, allowing them to engage with equipment, software, and creative tools in a supportive environment.

While the Melrose Center is often referred to as an “open secret,” many community members still remain unaware of the extensive offerings. Facilities and resources are available for a variety of creatives, including filmmakers, podcasters, musicians, and designers—all at no cost to users.

Facilities and Resources

The Melrose Center boasts an impressive range of amenities tailored to different creative interests:

Video Production Studio: Equipped for movie creation, production, and editing.
Audio Production Studio: Designed for podcast and music recording and editing.
Photography Studio: For creating and editing digital images.
Makerspace: Offers electronics and engineering instruction.
Fiber Arts Studio: Focused on sewing, yarn arts, and book arts.
Simulation Room: Features driving and flying simulations with realistic scenarios.
Game Development Lab: Supports virtual reality and game design.
LED Wall: Utilized for collaborative presentations.
Conference Room: Holds up to 30 people with picturesque views of Heritage Park.
Rehearsal Space: Accommodates groups of up to 15 performers.

Learning Opportunities

Ongoing classes, workshops, and meetups at the Melrose Center are led by expert instructors, covering topics such as Arduino programming, sewing, web design, and both video and audio editing. This aspect of the center emphasizes its commitment to fostering a culture of learning and creativity.

Community Impact

The Melrose Center continues to thrive as a community resource, supporting individuals in exploring their creative passions. Notable users have included Xavier Campozano, who has utilized the center for music recording and photography, and Aimee LeCours, a licensed mental health counselor, who has praised its accessible opportunities and safe space for experimentation.

A Vision that Continues

Though Ken Melrose, the founder, passed away in 2020, his vision for a collaborative and innovative community continues to flourish through the Center. As it moves forward, the Melrose Center is planning new events to commemorate its anniversary, including the return of the Melrose Awards and a film festival set to take place in September, promising to attract both local talent and wider audiences.

For residents of Orlando, the Melrose Center remains a key element in the city’s fabric—encouraging creativity, learning, and technological exploration. As the center celebrates a decade of accomplishments, it stands ready to inspire the next generation of innovators and creators.