PLYMOUTH, Mich. —The newly rebranded orsa Credit Union has entered into two long-term partnerships, committing $20 million to support art and education programs at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts, while also pledging $5 million to a local school program.
As the CU Daily reported here, the former Community Financial Credit Union just announced a name change and rebranding.
The $1.48-billion orsa CU’s pledge to the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts is a long-term agreement that will put the credit union’s name on the venue’s planned expansion, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.
Under the agreement, Music Hall’s new expansion will be named the Orsa Music Hall and feature the credit union’s bear logo once construction is completed. The 25-year commitment reflects both organizations’ long histories and future ambitions, Orsa President and CEO Tansley Stearns told Crain’s.
At the same time, Music Hall is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
“We want to see the bridge from both of these rich histories into the future,” Stearns told Crain’s.
Cross Promotion
The partnership will include cross-promotion between the two organizations. The new Orsa Music Hall building will host kiosks where visitors can learn about orsa’s products and become members, while orsa branches will feature kiosks promoting Music Hall programs and ticket sales. Credit union members will also receive exclusive benefits, including VIP seating, early access to show announcements and private events.
Stearns told Crain’s the investment supports a wide range of artistic, educational and community-focused initiatives serving artists, students, families and audiences across the region.
“We really think that the arts and music are a part of the way that we build community,” she said, calling the pledge a decades-long commitment to Detroit and Michigan.
About the Project
The Music Hall expansion has been in development since 2022 and is planned for a vacant lot next to the organization’s historic home in Detroit’s Foxtown neighborhood. The project includes a 1,900-seat contemporary concert venue, recording studios, offices for music industry professionals, a music academy and two restaurants operated by Music Hall.
Originally expected to break ground last year, the project was paused following the unexpected death of senior development and financial adviser Ghebre Mehreteab in August. After his death, Music Hall hired financing consultant PFM and discovered additional financing requirements that raised the project’s estimated cost to $165 million from $125 million, Crain’s reported.
Pending approvals from the Detroit Economic Development Corp. and City Council, Music Hall aims to break ground during the second quarter of this year, Paul said.
Partnership With Schools
Separately, orsa CU said it has teamed with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) to create what it called a “groundbreaking community-powered hub” aimed at expanding opportunities and preparing students for the future.
Leaders from both organizations have signed a 25-year agreement that includes a $5 million commitment from orsa credit union to support the creation and sustainability of the Orsa Hub.
The hub will act as a starting point where students can discover new ideas, try out different projects, and gain the confidence to chase bold aspirations, according to the organizations.
Hub at High School
The Orsa Hub will be located at Canton High School and will carry the Orsa name, symbolizing the credit union’s long-term dedication to public education and the Plymouth-Canton community, where it has been rooted for 75 years.
The hub will offer students hands-on experiences in robotics, artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, financial wellness, sustainability, and design.
The organizations added that the flexible, collaborative spaces will support immersive learning guided by educators, mentors, and local industry experts, fostering leadership, creativity, and curiosity throughout students’ K-12 education.
‘Impossible Dreams’
“For 75 years, we’ve been rooted in this community, walking alongside Michiganders as they pursue their impossible dreams,” Stearns said. “The Orsa Hub ensures students and educators have the tools, trust and support to lead boldly, today and for decades to come.”
The collaboration also includes initiatives to support girls in STEM through scholarships, robotics programs, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mental health resources, and student-centered programming, according to the organizations.
