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Omaha Performing Arts says more space is needed for education and community events

Omaha Performing Arts

Omaha Performing Arts is in the very early stages of planning for expansion of its facilities.

Last month, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced the city was buying three historic downtown buildings for $10 million. Omaha Performing Arts wants the properties for future development and expansion.

Omaha Performing Arts president Joan Squires says all future planning is in a preliminary stage, and no decisions have been made about the future of those buildings. Squires says there’s a need for venues with additional space and uses.

“We are already outgrowing the spaces in the Holland Center where we host education events, master classes, rehearsals, events, and more. Both the Holland and the Orpheum are often busy on the same night, bringing thousands to downtown Omaha.”

Any construction for new mixed-use space for Omaha Performing Arts wouldn’t start until at least mid-2017.

Over the past decade, Omaha Performing Arts has served 220,000 people through education and community engagement events. The Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater host 300 events a year.

The Omaha City Council has to approve the purchase of the buildings. It’s contingent on Omaha Performing Arts selling its parking lot at 11th and Dodge Streets to HDR for the company’s new corporate headquarters.