Omaha Performing Arts has announced the official opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which will take place next month.
The celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 19, at 10 a.m. on the Dick & Mary Holland Campus at 1115 Dodge Street. Festivities will continue with a free-to-the-public Tenaska Center open house Sunday, March 22, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
The grand opening period concludes with a community day on Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m., offering another opportunity for the public to experience many of the activities and events the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement will offer.
The $108 million, 4-story, 103,000 sq. ft. building was recently completed immediately east of the Holland Performing Arts Center.
As Nebraska’s largest performing arts organization, Omaha Performing Arts generates an annual economic impact of more than $61 million, reaching audiences across Nebraska and the region through Broadway, jazz, dance, comedy, family programming, camps, community engagement initiatives and live music.
The Tenaska Center advances the organization’s mission “by deepening and broadening O-pa’s commitment to accessible, high-quality arts education and community engagement for students, educators, artists and all community members,” according to a press release.
“Tenaska’s roots will always run deep in Omaha,” said the late 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.”
Designed by Stephen Chu of Ennead Architects, the Tenaska Center features flexible studios and classrooms, gathering spaces, and abundant natural light elements intentionally crafted to foster collaboration, transparency and creativity.
The new center completes the Dick & Mary Holland Campus, which also includes the Holland Performing Arts Center and Steelhouse Omaha. All three venues were designed by Ennead Architects, original designers of the Holland Center. The Holland Center was in collaboration with Omaha based HDR. Steelhouse Omaha and the Tenaska Center were in collaboration with Omaha-based Holland Basham Architects. Additional project partners include Fisher Dachs, Threshold Acoustics, Kiewit Building Group and TRI Project Solutions.
“On behalf of the Omaha Performing Arts Board of Directors, we are proud to celebrate the Tenaska Center’s highly anticipated opening. Omaha Performing Arts’ extraordinary commitment to high-quality, accessible performances and education to the community is second to none,” said Jack Koraleski, chair of the O-pa board of directors. “The Tenaska Center will be a transformative addition to our community and state, adding to OPA’s broad offerings and further enriching the quality of life throughout the region.”
