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Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center Study

HGA completed a pre-design for the renovation of the historic Shubert Theater. Closed in the 1970's, the Shubert was moved two blocks to Hennepin Avenue to complement the other theaters in the Minneapolis Theater District. The Shubert, a neoclassical terra cotta building built in 1910, is now situated 50 feet north of the Hennepin Center for the Arts (HCA), a former Masonic Temple built in 1888 that is headquarters to several Twin Cities arts organizations, performance and rehearsal studios and black box theater. The pre-design illustrates how the historic structures will be united visually and functionally by a new multi-level lobby that will create a unique cultural center in downtown Minneapolis. Serving as the main entry to both the small theaters of the HCA and the 1000-seat Shubert Theater, the lobby will become a contemporary bridge between its 19th century and early 20th century neighbors. How does one "move" an audience?
Click Here to see how in a 5 min. 22 sec. video. From Hennepin Avenue, the main focus of the new lobby will be two curvilinear glass wall planes. Rising and turning out toward the street, the glass planes transition seamlessly from outside in through the skylit lobby, acting as space-shaping interior sculpture through which patrons can walk through and around on all three levels. The glass walls will be juxtaposed with curving interior plaster walls that will enclose support spaces for concessions, catering, and ticketing functions. The new interior plaster walls weave in and out between the masonry sides of the existing buildings to heighten the tension between old and new. A significant engineering challenge, the curvilinear wall planes will be articulated using translucent glass and steel. Curved, tubular steel members will follow the fluid profiles of the wall planes and provide the primary support for the forms. A complex system of custom stainless steel plates and spider connectors will connect the segmented glass panels to the primary structure. Lit from within, these glass planes will change color with time and type of performance. Perpendicular to the glass wall planes, an expansive aluminum curtainwall will span the fifty foot gap between the Shubert and HCA. To maximize transparency and minimize the line between inside and outside, the top of the curtainwall transitions into a 35 foot long skylight that will engulf the glass planes. At the opposite end of the lobby, the entire 3-story wall will be glazed to provide additional natural light and pull visitors through the space. In addition to the new lobby, the renovated Shubert Theater will become a major focal point along Hennepin Avenue. The Shubert Theater's original glass canopy, vertical marquee and terra cotta faÍade will be restored along with the interior Corinthian columns, the ornamental proscenium arch and the balcony fronts. Modern elements will be subtly introduced into the space to accommodate the technical requirements of the theater and fill in the gaps left from decades of change and neglect. Light and color will permeate the space from transluscent glass lenses within the abandoned box walls and original ceiling medallions under the balconies. The lenses will be equipped with a range of colors and patterns that will be lit before and after performances. Improved sightlines and acoustics will compliment the existing architecture and new seating will provide comfort for all theatergoers.