The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will offer additional rehearsal, workshop and classroom spaces to accommodate O-pa’s expanding education and community engagement programs, which already serve more than 100,000 students, teachers and community members each year. A large event venue will also be part of this new center. Project plans were developed when O-pa determined it was out of space for these activities and after interviews with local organizations and community leaders, as well as research about similar venues around the country.
Site preparation has begun for the new $108 million facility east of the Holland Center at 12th Street between Dodge and Douglas Streets. The official groundbreaking is set for Oct. 11, 2023, with an estimated opening in the Spring of 2026.
“Tenaska’s roots will always run deep in Omaha,” said Howard Hawks, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Tenaska. “We specifically searched for a project that would be enjoyed by anyone and everyone; would draw people together; and would tangibly demonstrate Tenaska’s pride and loyalty to our larger Omaha community. We are thrilled to partner with O-pa on this project, and we firmly believe O-pa’s goal of increasing space to expand quality arts, education and engagement programs is a perfect fit. Tenaska’s executive team, Rhonda and I cannot adequately express our thanks — or the pride we feel — for Tenaska employees who have proven to be generous in their contributions of time, talent and treasure to worthy causes in Omaha and across the country. The partnership with O-pa will be a visible reminder of Tenaska’s dedication to the community.”
