This 50,000-sq-ft facility redefines creative learning spaces with a 550-seat auditorium, 100-seat black box theater, rehearsal and instructional areas, flexible computer science classrooms, and the school’s first art gallery. The building also features a senior painting studio, digital media labs, and a soaring atrium that connects all levels.
Delivering this complex project required overcoming significant site challenges, including excavating more than 15,000 cubic yards of granite and installing over 300 rock nails for stabilization, while minimizing disruption to campus operations.
The structure’s unique curvature and three massive cantilevers demanded 700 tons of steel—double the typical tonnage for a building of this size. Acoustic performance was also prioritized throughout the five-story building, incorporating layered soundproofing, STC-rated doors and specialized flooring to ensure optimal sound quality and control.
Additionally, the Allen Center achieved LEED Gold certification and incorporates innovative sustainability features including a unique rainwater harvesting system that supports irrigation for the building’s green roof – enhancing the campus ecosystem – while also functioning as a sound-dampening element of the new theater.
In addition to this award, Consigli also received an Award of Merit in the Renovation/Restoration category for its work with New York Blood Center Enterprises on its new campus, as well as the top project award in the K-12 Education category for Emma Willard School’s Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts.
Project teams recognized by ENR’s panel of judges were evaluated on their ability to overcome challenges, contribute to industry innovation and benefit the community, as well as overall excellence in design, construction and safety execution.
Read more about the project in ENR here.
Learn more about the ENR Regional Best Projects Awards here.