The Straz Center for the Performing Arts (1010 N MacInnes Pl) officially broke ground this week on its long-anticipated $100 million expansion project — a bold vision that will transform Tampa’s premier performing arts hub into a modern, world-class destination.
Led by Clearwater-based Creative Contractors Inc., construction is expected to wrap in July 2027. The project adds more than 30% in new space, supporting the growing demand for arts education while opening up new ways for the community to engage with the arts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Straz Center focuses on connection with the Tampa Riverwalk
One of the most eye-catching additions will be The Veil — a flowing, sculptural feature that will wrap the river and north-facing sides of the campus. It’s more than just a design statement. The Veil symbolizes the center’s renewed connection to the Hillsborough River and the Riverwalk, making the arts even more accessible to the public.
The expansion will also increase space for the Patel Conservatory by over 30%, allowing more aspiring young performers to train in theater, dance, and music. Currently, demand for the Conservatory’s programming exceeds availability — this project aims to change that.
Inside, the upgrades continue. The plan introduces new rehearsal and planning spaces, improved educational facilities, and a dedicated home for Opera Tampa. Meanwhile, fine dining will relocate to the ground floor for easier access, and new restaurant options along the Riverwalk will cater to both casual visitors and arts patrons.
A new immersive campus experience downtown
The expansion isn’t just about space — it’s about creating a more welcoming and immersive campus experience. A redesigned road system will simplify traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety, while new outdoor terraces and an arrival plaza will offer more opportunities for community events, free performances, and social gathering beyond showtime.
“This investment ensures the Straz Center inspires a new generation of arts patrons,” the organization said in a statement. “It creates a 21st-century experience for audiences and artists alike, while making our performances and programs more accessible to all Tampa citizens — regardless of income.”
The Straz Center currently spans a prominent 10-acre site along the Hillsborough River and ranks as the sixth-largest performing arts center in the country. Originally built in 1987 on a former gravel lot, it’s now home to six performance spaces, the Patel Conservatory, and Opera Tampa.
Emphasizing longer-term sustainability
Architects at DLR Group, working in collaboration with Gresham Smith, have designed the expansion to meet the needs of a growing city. Their plan reimagines the Straz as an “arts campus,” emphasizing community connection, flexible programming, and long-term sustainability. The design team also brings expertise in acoustics, audiovisual technology, security, lighting, and modern information systems.
Ultimately, the expanded Straz Center will serve as both a cultural beacon and an economic engine for Tampa — celebrating creativity, fostering inclusivity, and positioning the city as a global destination for the performing arts.
