Lenexa Approves St. James Academy Arts Center Plans

The city planning commission has moved forward a $16 million proposal for a new school auditorium in Lenexa.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Cultural

Modern school campus exterior with a brick and glass facade and a construction site for a new building wing. — The Lenexa Planning Commission recommended approval for a new $16 million Cultural Arts Center at St. James Academy on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Lenexa Planning Commission has recommended approval for a new 20,967-square-foot Cultural Arts Center at St. James Academy. The facility aims to replace the school cafeteria as the primary venue for student musicals, plays, and concerts.

Why it matters

The project addresses a critical need for dedicated performance space as student enrollment has surged to 1,000 students since the school first opened in 2005. The school currently relies on temporary cafeteria stages or off-site rentals at MidAmerica Nazarene to accommodate its arts programming.

The proposed $16 million project includes a 20,967-square-foot auditorium designed to support a student body that has grown from 124 freshmen in 2005 to 1,000 total students today. The school has pursued the dream of this dedicated space for 15 years.

The players

St. James Academy

This private educational institution currently serves 1,000 students and is the location for the proposed cultural center.

Lenexa Planning Commission

This municipal body oversees land use and development approvals within the city of Lenexa.

Schlagel

This engineering firm serves as the project applicant for the school's proposed arts center construction.

The details

The construction plan involves adding a performance space and classrooms to the existing main school building. Funding for the expansion is supported entirely through private fundraising and donations rather than public tax dollars.

St. James Academy opened in 2005.
Planning for a new performance space began in 2009.
The Lenexa Planning Commission recommended approval on Oct. 5, 2026.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the plan on Oct. 20, 2026.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

Industry Dynamics

The proposal reflects a larger shift in the private education sector where schools are increasingly prioritizing dedicated performing arts infrastructure to attract and retain students. This move mirrors regional trends of upgrading campus facilities to meet the demands of growing student bodies.

Once completed, the new facility will provide the community with a permanent, professional-grade venue for student concerts and theatrical productions. This shift eliminates the current logistical need for the school to rent off-site facilities at venues like MidAmerica Nazarene.

The takeaway

The addition of a purpose-built auditorium marks a major milestone in the school's ability to host internal arts events. Supporters suggest that the transition from temporary cafeteria staging to a permanent performance space will significantly enhance the quality of student productions.

What happens next

The Lenexa City Council is scheduled to hold a vote on the preliminary construction plan on Oct. 20, 2026. If approved, the school expects to break ground in spring 2027 and open the completed center by August 2028.