Vegas Unfiltered Local Favorties

THE SPACE Makes A Major Announcement

SamNovak

Official Verified Account

Editor

THE SPACE Makes A Major Announcement

THE SPACE 2.0 Community Center will serve entertainers, hospitality workers, educators, students, veterans, and first responders...

Many of you know THE SPACE, an off-Strip community-driven entertainment and event venue. Situated just over the interstate from Aria Resort, THE SPACE is home to MONDAYS DARK, a bi-weekly entertainment showcase that benefits a different non-profit each time. The series has raised awareness...and millions of dollars...for over eleven years. Vegas Golden Knight’s man-on-the-mic Mark Shunock created the concept for MONDAYS DARK with his wife Cheryl Daro. After relocating from Los Angeles fourteen years ago, they fell in love with the giving spirit of Las Vegas and wanted to be a part of it. The slogan “Let’s raise $10K in 90 minutes” was born. The city's growing population and outward expansion have led to some amazing community organizations. However, one key demographic seems to have been overlooked - those who literally serve our residents and visitors. With sweeping cutbacks targeting entities like mental health and other social services, it falls on the community to protect and treat its members. That's where THE SPACE 2.0 will come in. Take a look:

VEGAS 411 has known about this week's news since late last year but kept the secret. On February 24th, 2025 at 3 pm. THE SPACE 2.0 was officially announced at an exciting gathering. And it took place on the very site where the six-story Community Center will rise from the dust.

Here's the official announcement, as provided by Jenn Smulo of Rachel Harrison Communications:

For the first time in its 100+ year history, the Entertainment Community Fund is opening an office in Las Vegas! This announcement coincided with the unveiling of The Space 2.0, a $50 million community center set to be built just off the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Designed to support hospitality and entertainment professionals, first responders, veterans, educators, and students, this new space aims to serve the backbone of the city’s workforce.

The announcement took place February 24, at the future site of The Space 2.0, with notable attendees including award-winning actress and Entertainment Community Fund Chair of the Board Annette Bening, Nevada First Lady Donna Lombardo and her daughter Lacey Lombardo, Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, and Larry Ruvo, vice president and general manager of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, as well as founder of Keep Memory Alive and The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.

[embed]https://youtu.be/qZc9YERfqVI[/embed]

The Space 2.0 represents a bold vision for community support and collaboration. This transformative six-story facility is made possible through a generous two-acre land grant from Clark County. The Space 2.0 will serve as a sanctuary for the dedicated workforce that welcomes 40 million visitors to Las Vegas annually.

"The Space 2.0 is more than a building; it's a commitment to the people who make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World," said Mark Shunock, Founder of The Space 2.0. "This center is a reflection of our dedication to providing support, resources, and a sense of community for our city's workforce. The service industry puts this city on their back, so we’ve made it our mission to have theirs.”

[embed]https://youtu.be/JMlV4si5-Lw?si=mRXlu8q4lQb1iMVP[/embed]

Larry Ruvo (left, Keep Memory Alive, Lou Ruvo Brain Institute) and Mark Shunock

The Space 2.0 is poised to become a central hub for transformative programs and initiatives. Designed with the well-being and growth of the community in mind, it will offer a comprehensive range of services, including behavioral and mental health support, financial and social assistance, and career development programs tailored specifically for workers in the entertainment, hospitality, and first responder industries as well as veterans.

[embed]https://youtu.be/xjhbzS_0EMI[/embed]

The new building will also host collaborative education and after-school programs to support local students. By addressing these essential needs, The Space 2.0 will foster a thriving, resilient workforce that powers the city’s world-class offerings.

"As a beacon of hope and a hub for innovation, the state-of-the-art facility aims to redefine community support in Las Vegas. The building will have more than 80,000 square feet of usable event space, parking for approximately 400 cars in the four-story parking garage, outdoor terraces, specialty suites for partners, and plans for public-facing dining options."

"With a focus on strengthening the city’s foundation through the empowerment of its workforce, The Space 2.0 ensures a brighter future for all who live and work in the Entertainment Capital of the World."

A list of key initiatives for THE SPACE 2.0 is both challenging and comprehensive. Mark Shunock assured the media and guests that they're on a level "that Las Vegas has never seen".

Serve as a Home for Community Services and Non-Profits:The center will house a diverse range of non-profit organizations focused on providing vital services to the community. Key program residents of The Space 2.0 includeCommunity Counseling Center,Entertainment Community Fund,Public Education Foundation,Life By Music,Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance,CORE, Powered by The Rogers Foundation, andMondays Dark.

Provide Behavioral and Mental Health Services:The Space 2.0 will offer access to critical mental health and behavioral support services, ensuring that the individuals behind Las Vegas’ entertainment and hospitality industries have the resources they need to maintain their well-being. The Space 2.0 partner Community Counseling Center will provide counseling, case management, HIV support services, art/drama/music therapy, and after-school programming. Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance will develop and expand behavioral health workshops for firefighters who struggle with the stress and anxiety of their profession.

Enhance Arts Education for CCSD Students:With a robust arts program, The Space 2.0 will increase access to quality arts education for students in the Clark County School District. This program will include educational opportunities, job readiness skills for careers in the arts and entertainment industry, masterclasses, and performances designed to inspire a lifelong passion for the arts. Kids in The Space will host after-school and summer education programs governed by CORE, Powered by The Rogers Foundation, along with collaborative consultation from the Public Education Foundation, which partners with the community and CCSD to meet immediate, critical education needs to strengthen our schools. Life By Music is committed to creating positive change through customized music education programs, instrument donations and music scholarships for at-risk youth and veterans.

During his announcement, Mark Shunock gratefully expressed gratitude toward several businesses and organizations. Shown above, these entities have donated their time, money, and efforts to help put THE SPACE 2.0 in motion. The list of Mental Health and Education Program partners is equally extensive:

Community Counseling Center: provides counseling, case management, HIV support services, art/drama/music therapy, and after-school programming.
Entertainment Community Fund: financial assistance, career counseling, training, job development in the arts, health care resources, and support for young performers with the Looking Ahead program.
Kids in The Space: hosts after-school and summer education programs governed by CORE of The Rogers Foundation, along with collaborative support from the Public Education Foundation, which partners with the community and CCSD to meet immediate, critical education needs to strengthen our schools.
Life By Music: committed to creating positive change through customized music education programs, instrument donations, and music scholarships to veterans and active duty and at-risk youth. LIFE BY MUSIC believes in the transformative power of music to empower, heal, and bring people together.
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance: develops/expands behavioral health workshops for entertainers who struggle with the stress and anxiety of their profession.
Mondays Dark: Vegas’ premiere variety show for a cause raising $10K in 90 Minutes for a local nonprofit. Twice a month, Mondays Dark gathers an eclectic cast of guests—including musical acts and stars from Hollywood and The Strip—for 90 minutes of chat, entertainment and a lot of laughs.

As with all things related to THE SPACE, its expansion will be community-driven. A goal of $50 million has been established to open the doors. Donations can be made via this link. Those who contribute $1,000.oo or more will have their name become part of a permanent art installation within the new edifice.

Groundbreaking is planned for early next year with a targeted opening in late 2028. The location is the corner of Harmon Avenue and Polaris Avenue, a gateway between the Las Vegas Strip and its residents. To learn more about The Space, Mondays Dark, and the new Space 2.0 Community Center, head here.