The Benson Theatre Nonprofit recently announced its purchase of the Benson Theatre at 6054 Maple Street.
Lenli Corbett, Chair of the Board for the Benson Theatre Nonprofit, says community support made the purchase possible.
Corbett says the Benson Theatre Nonprofit needs to raise a total of $1.2 million. This money will fund the renovations and the first few years of operating expenses.
Corbett says the primary purpose of the theatre is to offer a shared space for nonprofits.
"That will offer amazing educational opportunities during the day. It will offer community area for Benson residents and North Omaha residents. And in the evening it will be a great spot in the entertainment area. So it will be a place for comedy, for theatre, drama, it will be the home of the Omaha Film Festival.”
Corbett says the plan is to do the project in phases, so the group can formally engage an architect once done with program statement and gather construction costs.
After that, they’ll move through fundraising and construction at same time.