Point Park University, City of Bradenton Explore Potential Partnership

The City of Bradenton and Pittsburgh-based Point Park University are exploring a potential partnership that could bring a future university location to downtown Bradenton.

Early discussions have focused on Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, which complements Bradenton’s Avenue of the Arts and the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The city could add other academic programs in the future.

The former GTE building, once considered for demolition, has been transferred from Manatee County to the City and is among the sites under consideration. Bringing the long-vacant building back into use would preserve a piece of downtown Bradenton and create new local educational opportunities.

A university presence would also add activity downtown, potentially benefiting local businesses and the broader community. It could be a natural fit for Point Park, whose Pittsburgh campus is embedded in downtown and closely connected to the surrounding community.

The partnership is still in the early stages. No decisions have been made regarding programs, facilities, investments or a timeline.

Read more here.