Eastman Theatre Renovation & Expansion

Originally designed by McKim, Mead & White in 1922, the Eastman Theatre is a compelling testament to the ornate yet enduring brilliance of neo-classical design, featuring Beaux Arts massing and Italian Renaissance-inspired architectural details. Renovations to the original theatre include reducing the number of seats to allow for wider aisles and improved accessibility, the addition of box seats, improved acoustics, and the expansion of the entry lobby, gallery and front-of-house spaces. The design team worked closely with the New York State Historic Preservation Office to ensure the modernization and renovation of the original theatre was done in a historically sensitive manner. The new 39,000 sf expansion provides a contemporary yet complementary addition to the original theatre and includes a 230-seat recital hall, a rehearsal room to accommodate a full orchestra, faculty studios, a recording control room, theatre shop and mechanical rooms. A spacious multi-story atrium and new entrance serve as an integral aspect of the expansion, enhancing pedestrian traffic between the recital hall and original Eastman building.

Client: Eastman School of Music; University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, NY
Size: 175,000 SF Renovation / 35,000 SF Expansion
Status: Completed 2011
Honors & Awards: 2012 AIA New York State Design Merit Award, 2012 Preservation League of New York Excellence in Historic Preservation, 2011 AIA Design Excellence Award, 2011 Robert Macon Award for Innovation, 2011 Mayor’s Design Award

Mr. Shelly was a member of the design team while employed at CJS Architects.

A five-story atrium provides an ADA-accessible link between the original theatre and new recital hall. A Dale Chihuly glass sculpture is hung from the skylight above.