The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting and producing a wide range of performing arts, is seeking feedback from the community on its ambitious new master plan. The plan, which represents a $100 million investment in the arts, envisions a transformed Straz Center with expanded performance and program spaces, a vibrant outdoor experience, and enhanced community outreach initiatives.
At the heart of the master plan is a significant expansion of the Straz Center’s footprint. Renderings showcase an extended outdoor area along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, inviting the community to engage with the arts in an open and welcoming setting. A rooftop bar offers panoramic city views, while a new veil structure wraps around the existing facility, seamlessly connecting two new buildings and creating a cohesive architectural ensemble.
The master plan places a strong emphasis on expanding the Straz Center’s educational offerings and community outreach programs. The education center, school, and homeless and veteran outreach programs will see a 30% increase in space, enabling them to reach a broader audience and make a more meaningful impact. President and CEO Gregory Holland emphasized the importance of creating new spaces for artists to work, perform, and engage with the community.
Construction of the master plan is scheduled to begin at the end of 2023 and continue over the next three years, with completion expected in 2027. To gather community input, the Straz Center will hold two public meetings where members of the community are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. The updated master plan is a testament to the Straz Center’s unwavering commitment to the arts and its desire to create a vibrant and inclusive cultural destination for Tampa Bay and beyond.
