Chesapeake Energy Donates Community Plaza To OK Center For Nonprofits

Chesapeake Energy announced on Thursday it will donate its Community Plaza to the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has been a tenant of the property since 2010. Officials said this donation will give the organization full ownership and operation of the Plaza.

"Chesapeake has taken great pride in the development and growth of the Chesapeake Community Plaza, particularly as the facility has helped start and support many of Oklahoma City's strongest nonprofit organizations," said Gordon Pennoyer, Director of Communications and Investor Relations. "The Center for Nonprofits is the state's leader in building successful nonprofits, and we can think of no better organization to cultivate the growth and further the vision of the Plaza." 

According to officials, Chesapeake purchased the property in 2008 and began operating it as the Chesapeake Community Plaza in 2010. Located at 710 W. Wilshire Blvd. in Oklahoma City, the Plaza was designed to ease the operating cost burden for Oklahoma nonprofit organizations by offering reduced office leases. The facility also encourages both synergy and the sharing of resources among its nonprofit tenants. The Plaza currently serves 30 nonprofit organizations and offers two conference rooms available at no cost to the tenants.

"This transformational contribution to the Center is truly a gift to all nonprofits," said Marnie Taylor, the Center's President and CEO. "For 35 years, we have helped to build better communities through effective nonprofits. The Chesapeake Community Plaza has generously provided this unique and significant resource to charitable organizations for a number of years. We are thankful to Chesapeake for the opportunity to continue this tradition and culture of generosity by providing office space to nonprofits at affordable rates in addition to all of the other training, consulting, membership and advocacy services we provide."