Project

Boston University Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and College of Fine Arts Production Center

“It is exciting to have this new state-of-the-art theater as the centerpiece for the role that the students and faculty of the School of Theatre play in infusing the arts into our campus.”

Robert A. Brown

President, Boston University

Project Description

The 75,000-sf facility unifies the College of Fine Arts School of Theatre with features that support all aspects of theatre production and performance arts.
Innovative building materials contribute to the architecturally stunning façade that elevates the university’s presence on Commonwealth Avenue.
Program elements include a 21,000-square-foot multi-functional studio theatre for an audience of 250; a Production Center that houses paint, set, and scene shops; plus faculty offices and teaching spaces.

Photographer: Robert Benson & Eric Laignel

Read Project Description

Set production and painting area in the BU Booth Theatre

Project

The Paramount Center

“The vision for Emerson is to develop the coolest, hippest, most compelling destination in downtown. The Paramount Center is truly a center for creative collaboration among students, faculty, performers, and the public. As the College had originally hoped, this facility is fully realizing its important role at the heart of Emerson’s mission.”

Lee Pelton

Former President, Emerson College

Project Description

A key component of Emerson’s new campus in Boston’s Theatre District, this 39,200-sf, mixed-use development joined together new construction with the landmarked Paramount Theatre and adjacent Arcade building, plus a neighboring backlot.
The Center incorporates the renovated Paramount Theatre, a black box theatre, a scene/prop shop, rehearsal spaces, classrooms, a sound stage, a film screening room, plus a 262-bed residence hall and 150-seat streetfront restaurant.
The renovated Paramount Theatre is now a 590-seat live-performance space used for performances by both students and professional artists from all over the world through the ArtsEmerson program.

Photographer: Peter Vanderwarker

Read Project Description

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Preservation Honor Award

Award

Preservation Massachusetts

Paul E Tsongas Award

Award

United States Institute of Theater Technology

Merit Award

Award

Live Design Magazine

Design Excellence Award – Venues

Award

Illuminating Engineering Society

Award of Merit – Exterior and Interior Lighting

Award

American Institute of Architects, New England Chapter

New England Design Award

Award

Boston Preservation Alliance

Preservation Achievement Award – Significant Rehabilitation / Restoration

Award

Boston Society of Architects/AIA (BSA/AIA)

Honor Award for Design Excellence

Award

Construction Managers Association of America – New England Chapter

Building Project of the Year – Renovation / Modernization Less Than $100 Million

Award

New York Construction Magazine

Best of 2010, Project of the Year – Renovation / Restoration

Project

Cutler Majestic Theatre

Project Description

Originally built in 1903, this restored Beaux-Arts theatre is now both a high point for Boston theatergoers and a learning tool for Emerson students.
The painstaking restoration and renovation of the 26,000-sf theatre included researching the original palette; replicating seats, velvet curtains, and light fixtures; and re-creating custom wall coverings, paintings, and period carpeting.
Now a 21st-century theatre inside a 20th-century historic landmark, the modernized theatre includes upgraded infrastructure and theatre systems, the fully restored second balcony, expanded lobbies and seating capacity, and improved audience amenities.

Photographer: Bruce Martin

Award

Society for College and University Planning

SCUP Honor Award for Excellence in Planning: New Campus
(as part of the Emerson College Campus)

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Preservation Honor Award

Award

Boston Society of Architects

BSA/AIA

Honor Award

Award

League of Historic American Theatres

Outstanding Restoration Project

Award

Buildings Magazine

Grand Prize: Building Modernization

Award

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design

Award

Massachusetts Historical Commission

Outstanding Achievement in Preservation

Award

Boston Preservation Alliance

Preservation Achievement Award

Award

Boston Society of Architects

BSA/AIA

Historic Preservation Award