Straz - River Arts District At the center of the River Arts District nestles the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Opening its doors in 1987 the venue was rebranded in 2009 in honor of the late financier David A. Straz Jr. The Straz is up for another rebranding this time however, it will be for a 150,000 SF expansion. • “Since 2020, the Straz has received nearly $13 million in federal COVID-19 relief loans and grants, plus commitments of $25 million from the city, $2.5 million from the county, and $5 million from the state. Not all of that is earmarked for the expansion, but when combined with private donations, the plan is about 70% funded.” - TampaBayTimes • The Design District Review filed in permitting calls for the expansion & re-development of the site outside of the building expansion footprint. Improvements are to include a Grand Terrace, South Arrival Terrace, proposed Bistro with outdoor performance space, Service/Support Building with loading/receiving dock, an outdoor pre-function terrace (an outside events center), and new exterior arrival canopies to the South and North, Welcome Center, and Reconfigured North Drop-off.