Boston Conservatory

[PaulC]

Expansion plans at Boston Conservatory
groundbreaking in May, completion September, 2010.

The Hemenway Project
The Hemenway Project* is an ambitious plan for The Boston Conservatory to expand and renovate the existing theater building at 31 Hemenway Street and dramatically improve the instructional and performance space and experience for students, faculty and patrons. The project will include:

Two new large-volume dance studios
A new theater studio which will double as a reception area for special events
One new music rehearsal and performance space for large ensembles
A new orchestra pit
New theater seating
Improved sight lines
Improved wing space
Handicapped accessibility
New climate control
Increased ceiling height, a new control booth, new theatrical lighting and rigging, and a host of acoustical refinements in the theater

http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/s/...id=1&pgid=1165

drawings:
http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/s/...id=1&pgid=1160

[JohnAKeith]

MORE from Banker & Tradesman:

First Upgrade For Boston Conservatory In 50 Years

Lee Kennedy Co. has been awarded an $18-million renovation and expansion project by The Boston Conservatory.

The project is the first in more than 50 years for the performing arts institute. The project will provide new and renovated performance and rehearsal spaces, as well as technical and utility upgrades.

Lee Kennedy Co.'s team has been working closely with New York City-based Handel Architects, owner's representative KVAssociates and the conservatory on preconstruction services for more than a year to plan the complex project.

Construction will officially begin in May with completion slated for October 2010.

"This is an exciting time in the conservatory's history as we prepare to transform our theater building and improve the learning and performing experience for our students, faculty and audiences," said Richard Ortner, president of The Boston Conservatory. "Lee Kennedy Co. is a builder of special qualifications, and we are very proud to be working with them on this project."

New construction consists of a four-story, 32,000-square-foot facility to house dance studios and an orchestra rehearsal hall, according to Lee Kennedy & Co. The existing three-story building next door will be renovated to include a 300-seat theater with state-of-the-art audio/ visual, lighting, dimming and rigging systems and back-of-house functions.

http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/news132259.html

[czsz]

Odd time for an institution to be expanding, but I'm glad they have the financial strength to be able to.

Pray tell, what is this new building replacing?

Handel Architects

How appropriate!

[PaulC]

I think it's going on a vacant lot and part will go over the existing theater.

[kz1000ps]

Yeah, it's going on the vacant lot just north of 31 Hemmenway:



Renders and drawings:



East section:



North section:

[ablarc]

A decent infill project.

A bit tucked away?

[kz1000ps]

Existing conditions:

[Ron Newman]

Is that lot now used for parking or anything else, or is it just sitting empty and fenced off?

[bbfen]

Originally Posted by Ron Newman

Is that lot now used for parking or anything else, or is it just sitting empty and fenced off?

er, parking?





(Sorry Ron, too easy. Access is from the alley, about 13' below grade of Hemenway. The fence is for pedestrian safety to keep walkers from falling in, not to actually block the lot.)

[ablarc]

A remote place for a theatre, no? Might, however, be charmingly concealed --as the Charles Playhouse once was.

[Ron Newman]

When I asked about 'parking' I meant from the alley, not the street.

[kz1000ps]

Yesterday:

[kz1000ps]

[bbfen]

Anyone know who the conservatory fellated to get that height? Did they promise to sell a building to the fenway co-op moonbats?

[Justin7]

Ugh.

[kz1000ps]

I guess they're keeping the old facade to save money? It sure as hell ain't a looker.

[BarbaricManchurian]

nice contrast, imo. Always good to have a small pocket of modern architecture on an otherwise historical street, keeps the urban environment interesting

[kennedy]

Only when it's really good modern architecture though. Like an Apple Store on a historic street. Not this lame contemporary crap.

[BarbaricManchurian]

why only when its really good? even if mediocre, variation of styles that complement each other (such as this case) make for a more varied and interesting streetscape

[kennedy]

Even if it's just mediocre. Maybe it's just the rendering, but this doesn't even look like it deserves to be called decent.