Welcome to the Community Arts Center

For more than half a century, the Hannah Block Historic USO Building has facilitated the coming together of generations, providing children with programs that challenge them creatively, and enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

Located in the Hannah Block Historic USO at 120 South Second Street in historic downtown Wilmington, NC, our multi-use facility features five studios (including dance studios) that are available to nonprofit organizations for rehearsals of plays, musicals and recitals.

The studios are also used for classes in a variety of artistic disciplines. The building is home to the Orange Street Potters and the Hannah Block Second Street Stage, an auditorium with a stage and technical loft used for rehearsals and performances. The facility includes a kitchen and may also be rented for corporate and private functions. 

The HBHUSO/CAC is owned by the City of Wilmington and managed by the Thalian Association. The City Council appoints a seven person volunteer Advisory Board to oversee the building activities and make recommendations to the management and the City of Wilmington. The current Advisory Board chairman is Tom Wallace. 

Patrons of the HBHUSO/Community Arts Center can park in the surface lot conveniently located next to the building.