NORMAN, OK (Feb. 5, 2024) – Norman Public Schools plans to purchase a facility that will be utilized as a performing arts center after the Norman Board of Education approved a sales agreement at tonight’s meeting. The facility, originally Journey Church and most recently Fellowship Church, is located at 3801 Journey Parkway.
“During the 2023 bond, we shared plans to build a new fine arts performance venue, tentatively located on the Irving Middle School campus,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “That campus has the only undeveloped property available to use for a project of this size. However, we also said we would consider other opportunities if they were to become available, and this was an opportunity we could not ignore.
“This facility is going to be a remarkable space to host fine arts events, 5th grade graduations and so many more activities and celebrations,” Migliorino continued. “This is a generational opportunity for our district, which will impact people for decades to come, and I am so elated for Norman Public Schools.”
Based on stakeholder conversations and the construction budget, tentative plans for a new venue called for a 12-18 month construction schedule for an approximately 29,000 square foot building with 800 seats and 50 new parking spots.
Comparatively, the property NPS intends to purchase sits on 11.2 acres of land and is more than 60,000 square feet. The main auditorium holds about 1,600 seats, and there are more than 500 available parking spots. The goal is for the building to be open to host performances and events in fall 2024. The facility will complement the Nancy O’Brian Center, which is often fully booked, limiting access to the building for younger grades.
“We are thrilled to acquire this property that will increase our fine arts performance opportunities,” said Dr. Evelyn Kwanza, director of fine arts. “This beautiful and ample space will serve multiple purposes for our fine arts learning community that has been challenged to accommodate the needs for a formal space for all of our programs. The bonuses of more seating, more parking accommodations and a completed black box put us years ahead in the planned development of our second performing arts center. The bottom line is more moments for our students to shine.
“I am so thankful for the voters of Norman who continue to support our district and NPS Fine Arts missions to serve our students,” Kwanza continued. “We are eagerly awaiting opening the doors to NPS students, teachers, families and our community.”
Along with the performance and event area, the facility also includes more space that has the opportunity for future growth.
“For the same money to construct a new facility, we will be getting three times more space,” said Justin Milner, associate superintendent and chief operating officer. “This is an incredible opportunity for the kids of Norman Public Schools, our district as a whole and the community. This building honors and I believe exceeds the commitment we made to the voters in the 2023 bond, we are excited about this opportunity.”
For more information about the projects included in the bond, visit normanpublicschools.org/bond.