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 Overtown Performing Arts Center was built in 1947 as the Ebenezer Methodist Church. (Azzez Bakare Studios)▲

“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.”

Other venues and organizations with roots in Overtown realize the historic significance and importance of having the OPAC in the neighborhood. Many have a close relationship with the CRA and have been hosting events there for years.

The Miami Job Fair at OPAC. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

Just down the street from the OPAC is the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum, led by Executive Director Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant.

“OPAC is right up the street from us and one of Overtown’s larger open spaces, and with the CRA revitalizing the space and opening it up to the community, we were able to feature pieces from our exhibition ‘Everyday People’ there, pieces that were too large for our space,” said Cribbs-Lorrant. “That exhibition was the first time we used that space in that capacity.”

An overhead view of the Overtown Performing Arts Center, located at 1074 NW 3rd Ave. (Azzez Bakare Studios)▲

Since then, the museum has asked to participate in more events at OPAC. Because of the two venues’ proximity, guests are able to walk within the community itself and not have to drive to immerse themselves in cultural experiences.

The museum’s biggest initiative with the CRA is to create a safer neighborhood, serving as an anchor for community and police engagement by hosting monthly meetings in Overtown’s other structures and giving attendees the opportunity to tour those facilities.

The Everyday People exhibit was presented at the Overtown Performing Arts Center as part of Soul Basel 2025. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

Additionally, when the CRA hosts mixers at OPAC, “we invite vendors to share in our resources at those events,” said Cribbs-Lorrant. “We have also participated in other exhibitions at the OPAC, screening our museum-produced films at their events.”

The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum is a living archive and a space where the conversation revolves around knowing the law. “We want to be that space where visitors/tourists can learn what the law is providing them, that safe space and educational place to make their vacation enjoyable,” Cribbs-Lorrant said.

Pieces from the Everyday People exhibit were too large for the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum, so they were displayed at OPAC instead. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

In addition to their year-round exhibitions, OPAC and the museum will once again be participating in Soul Basel, an official Art Basel event during Miami Art Week this year.

The CRA was also invaluable to Marco Molinet, the executive director of Florida Film House, Urban Film Festival and 1st Take Youth Film Program.

Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum Executive Director Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

When Molinet started his 1st Take Youth Film Program, he was encouraged by the CRA, which took an immediate interest in his project, to form a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. With the CRA’s guidance and support, Molinet made it official, enabling him to receive CRA funds.

“The CRA has helped me build my business with the kids and the community and allowed me to grow more than I could have ever done by myself,” said Molinet. “My aim through the film program is to help as many kids as I can. I wish there was a program like mine when I was a teenager.”

Event artists participate in a conversation at the OPAC for Soul Basel during Miami’s Art Week, sharing insights into their creative practices, artistic perspectives and experiences within the arts community. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

OPAC has always been Molinet’s Overtown hub, like during next year’s spring break, when he’ll host a program for 50 to 60 kids and bring in film professionals to guide them through producing their own short films. During the week, the students break up into groups and use different rooms throughout OPAC, allowing them to have their own creative space.

“The hands-on help we receive from everyone at the center is invaluable to the program being successful. Everyone at OPAC becomes part of our team,” said Molinet.

“One Night in Overtown,” curated by Sam Yates, brought together an exciting and diverse lineup of performances, featuring talented artists from a variety of backgrounds and musical genres. (AJ Shorter Photography)▲

The 1st Take Youth Film Program and the Urban Film Festival have both been presented at OPAC, and the programs have hosted additional events at the Dorsey Library at Red Rooster restaurant.

“Our welcome party is hosted at Red Rooster, and we have been doing the youth component at OPAC for the last four years, and for the last 10 years we’ve used it as a screening location for both the Urban Film Festival and the 1st Take Youth Film Program,” Molinet said.

Molinet said he’s very grateful to the CRA and its collaboration with City of Miami commissioners and the Overtown Performing Arts Center.

“It is what everyone should envision for a community working together. Nothing moves like that group of people, serving the community. It is all executed at a high level, and they should all be proud of themselves,” he said.

Cribbs-Lorrant echoed that sentiment, saying, “The CRA has done a great job at providing reasonable financial opportunities to reserve places like OPAC and our museum and the other venues for events. That is a throughline that is evident throughout all these spaces.”