TAMPA, Fla. — The Straz Center for the Performing Arts broke ground on a new, $80 million renovation project that will add education space to The Patel Conservatory, as well as an outdoor venue along Tampa’s Riverwalk.

The project is years in the making, and included trips by the Straz Board of Trustees around the country and world to visit top theaters and inspire ideas for the project.

The Patel Conservatory will see the biggest changes, with the construction project expected to add 30% more space for its education programs.

What You Need To Know

  • A new construction project at Straz will create outdoor performance space, as well as additional space inside the Patel Conservatory

  • The expansion has been years in the making, with the Straz traveling around the world viewing top theaters to inspire ideas for the project

  • Gregory Holland says once complete, the Straz will be able to attract new local artists as well as visitors

  • The $80 million expansion is set for completion in 2027 

  • Straz Center

Outside, the river side of the Straz will get a big upgrade, with new outdoor venues for free live performances, a new restaurant and a rooftop bar.

Straz President and CEO Gregory Holland says the project is aiming to attract new visitors as well as artists.

“We’ll have new covered spaces for free public performances,” said Holland. “We will have a new restaurant. A new rooftop bar. So many ways to experience the Straz center. And in every one of those spaces, are new opportunities to hire local and regional artists to perform.”

Although groundbreaking on the new project happens Monday, construction is already underway. The Straz will remain open during construction, which is scheduled for completion by 2027.

The Straz will remain open during construction, which is scheduled for completion by 2027. (Spectrum News/Chris McDonald)