Tampa, FL – April 3, 2025 – The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is set to transform Tampa’s cultural landscape with an $80 million expansion, breaking ground on April 7, 2025. This milestone project, part of a $100 million capital campaign, aims to position the Straz Center as a world-class arts hub while enhancing community access and education in the Tampa Bay area.
The expansion promises a bold upgrade for the center, which has been a cornerstone of Tampa’s arts community since 1987. Key features include enhanced community outreach, expanded educational programming, and the AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage—a new outdoor venue offering free public performances. A strong focus on inclusion will ensure all residents, regardless of income, can enjoy the arts, with new event spaces and Riverwalk connections rounding out the vision.
“This is about more than just a building—it’s about creating a cultural campus that welcomes everyone,” said Straz Center President and CEO Greg Holland in a recent statement. The project repurposes existing spaces, like food service areas, into music education and rehearsal rooms, addressing the center’s growing needs as Tampa’s population surges.
Funding the Future
The $80 million expansion is backed by significant community support. The City of Tampa committed $25 million in 2021, despite some council concerns over future budget impacts. Hillsborough County added $2.5 million, Bank of America contributed $1 million, and private donors have pledged $27.5 million, with another $4 million in verbal commitments. To date, $60 million has been secured, leaving approximately $23.5 million to raise for the $100 million goal.
Delays due to inflation and supply chain issues pushed the timeline from earlier projections, but the Straz Center is now on track for its 2025 start. Construction is expected to bolster Tampa’s $130 million annual economic impact from the arts, a figure tied to the center’s operations.
A Cultural and Economic Boost
Since opening on a former gravel lot, the Straz Center has grown into the sixth largest performing arts center in the U.S., hosting Opera Tampa, the Patel Conservatory, and a top-tier Broadway series. The expansion aligns with Tampa’s urban boom, adding capacity and reinforcing its cultural identity. The AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage, in particular, stands out as a commitment to free, accessible entertainment—a move poised to draw both locals and tourists.
“This expansion elevates our global standing while enriching lives right here at home,” Holland added. With a 20% boost to workforce development and new educational opportunities, the project promises a lasting legacy for future generations.
What’s Next
The groundbreaking on April 7 marks the start of a multi-year effort to reimagine the Straz Center. Tampa residents and arts enthusiasts can follow updates with hashtags like #StrazExpansion and #TampaArts. As the shovels hit the ground, the city takes a significant step toward cementing its reputation as a hub for world-class performing arts.
For more details, visit the Straz Center’s official site or stay tuned to Azurcre.com for ongoing coverage.