Construction Begins on Lincoln’s New Cultural Center Hub

Lincoln’s cultural community is set for a significant transformation with the upcoming construction of a new hub for its diverse cultural centers. The Cultural Centers of Lincoln, a nonprofit established in 2019, is initiating the development of a 62,000-square-foot facility located near the intersection of 22nd and Y streets. This project aims to consolidate multiple cultural organizations under one roof, enhancing collaboration and accessibility for the community.

Tom Randa, the executive director of the Good Neighbor Community Center and a board member of the Cultural Centers of Lincoln, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “It’s not just one cultural center, but it’s multiple cultural centers,” he stated. Drawing inspiration from the concept of a mall, Randa noted, “If you want to go buy shoes at the mall, you have options.” This new building will serve as a shared space for four key organizations: the Asian Community and Cultural Center, El Centro De Las Américas, the Malone Center, and the Good Neighbor Community Center.

Construction Timeline and Funding

The groundbreaking for the new center is scheduled for Wednesday, with construction expected to take approximately 18 months. The estimated cost for the project is $19 million, as indicated by a building permit. Funding will be sourced from an ongoing capital campaign aimed at raising the necessary financial support for the construction. The land for the new facility is owned by the university, further solidifying the partnership between local institutions.

Both the Asian Community and Cultural Center and El Centro De Las Américas plan to transition fully into the new building, moving from their current locations near the intersections of 44th and O streets. While the Good Neighbor Community Center will maintain its own site near 27th and Y streets, it will also establish its Healthy Food Distribution Center within the new hub. Additionally, the Malone Center is in the process of constructing a new facility at 2032 U St., but it will eventually incorporate early childhood services into the new cultural center.

The building will also feature a cafeteria, an art gallery, meeting rooms, and classrooms. In addition to spaces for the cultural centers, there will be 18 rentable spaces, four of which have already been secured by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Addressing Community Needs

The collaboration among Lincoln’s cultural centers dates back to 1999, with organizations increasingly seeking ways to pool resources to meet rising community demands. Randa pointed out that, “While the people we saw was going up, the resources (were) about the same.” With many of the existing facilities built in the 1950s and 1960s, the need for a new, modern building has become critical.

Sheila Dorsey Vinton, executive director of the Asian Community and Cultural Center, highlighted the space constraints faced by the centers. “We had a space issue with regards to places to offer programming, like always competing and fighting over space,” she explained. The new facility will provide ample office space and areas dedicated to therapy and mental health support, addressing these pressing needs.

The cafeteria and art gallery are particularly exciting developments, as they offer potential for community engagement. Dorsey Vinton mentioned that the cafeteria could be utilized for potlucks, while the art gallery could showcase the work of immigrant artists, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

As this project advances, it follows recent renovations and improvements to existing cultural centers. Randa noted ongoing enhancements at both the Good Neighbor Center and the Indian Center, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing community resources.

John Goodwin, executive director of the Malone Center, expressed enthusiasm about the project, citing the inspiration drawn from initiatives like the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha, which successfully houses Jewish, Christian, and Muslim groups together. He stated, “It takes a village. It takes more than just one agency to do what we need to do here in the community and outside the community.”

The new Cultural Centers of Lincoln building represents a significant step forward in uniting diverse cultural organizations, enhancing community services, and fostering collaboration. This initiative not only aims to improve facilities but also to enrich the cultural fabric of Lincoln, ensuring that all residents have access to vital resources and support.