Built in 1947 as the Ebenezer Methodist Church, the historic building in the heart of Overtown was redeveloped by the Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency a decade ago to become the Overtown Performing Arts Center, or OPAC. It has since become the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
“One piece of the bigger picture was the CRA’s vision to keep alive those historic spaces in Overtown and why the OPAC, which is historically designated on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated and restored and maintains its original high ceilings and gothic architecture,” said Maya Jackson, community engagement coordinator for the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA.
The OPAC operates as an event center and is regularly used for weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions by the community. The CRA has also used it to facilitate free tango classes, musical performances and art installations.
“The cultural events bring out the community, as do our job fairs and community resource events where residents can receive a library card or seek help with rental assistance,” said Jackson. “Our team decides what types of events will most benefit the community. We also hold our quarterly CRA community meetings, led by City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Christine King, chairwoman of the CRA, at the OPAC.”