Chapman, KS — Downtown Dance, Tumbling & Aerial Arts along with the City of Chapman is proud to announced that they been awarded a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support the creation of an expanded upper-level aerial arts and tumbling facility. This project will not only provide much-needed space for the studio’s rapidly growing programs, but will restore the second floor of the building—originally the historic Buhrer Opera House—to its intended purpose as a multifunctional community space.
The studio partnered with the Flint Hills Regional Council to prepare and submit the grant application. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in securing this funding for Chapman’s downtown district.The renovated upper level will serve as a training facility for aerial arts and tumbling students, offering expanded class capacity, upgraded equipment, and enhanced safety features.
Beyond supporting the studio’s continued growth, the restored opera hall will also function as a dual-use event space, opening the door for: Dance, tumbling, and aerial arts conventions,Community gatherings,Workshops and special events, Performances and visiting entertainment groups.
The lower level of the building already serves as a vibrant community hub. One side houses an active dance studio, while the other includes the welcoming lobby for Downtown Place Spa Suites & Event Space, home to Massage by Sway, Downtown Nail Nook, and Downtown Tanning. The addition of the restored upper level will further enhance the building’s role as a cornerstone of local activity and small-business collaboration.
“We are incredibly grateful for this grant and excited to bring new life to such a historic part of Chapman,” said Victoria Woods, owner of Downtown Dance, Tumbling & Aerial Arts. “This project will allow us to meet the needs of our growing student base while creating a space that our entire community can enjoy. It honors the building’s past while investing in Chapman’s future.”
Construction planning is underway.
