The Community Performing Arts Center (CPAC) is an 8,000-capacity amphitheater concert venue at the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment, a 48-acre riverfront site off Dowling Ave. and I-94 in Minneapolis. Developed through a partnership including First Avenue and the Minnesota Orchestra, the venue will host approximately 50 events annually and reinvest a portion of ticket proceeds into the surrounding community.
Redevelopment of former industrial sites are complicated as are projects with many partners and multiple funding sources – CPAC combines all of the above and more. NTH’s comprehensive approach has been critical in guiding First Avenue and keeping the amphitheater project moving forward.
NTH has guided both high-level strategic decisions and detailed execution, including financing, site planning, and operational considerations. The team coordinated complex funding sources including state bonding and New Markets Tax Credits, while managing detailed design elements tied to guest experience and operations.
After more than seven years of planning, the CPAC project broke ground in early 2026 and is on track to open in 2027
8,000-capacity concert venue 50 ticketed events annually
“The Community Performing Arts Center is a generational investment. Not only does it bring jobs and tourism to the community, with our partners at First Avenue and the Minnesota Orchestra committed to reinvesting revenue back into North Minneapolis, it brings real change.”
Mayor Jacob Frey, City of Minneapolis
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