Nashua Center for Arts

Citation Award // Excellence in Architecture Design

Architect // ICON Architecture

GC // Harvey Construction

MEP/FP, Structural, Security/IT Engineer // Rist Frost Shumway

Theater Design // OTJ Architects

Theater Planning // Fisher Dachs Associates

Audiovisual and Acoustics // Acentech

Description

Located in the heart of Nashua's Main Street, an important arts and cultural corridor withrestaurants, shops, and parking for patrons, the Center for the Arts offers nationally touringmusical performances and theater in downtown Nashua. It also serves as a premier venuefor corporate and family events. The 753-seat proscenium theater has a telescopic seatingsystem that retracts to create a flat floor for General Admissions up to 1000 people orbanquet seating for up to 270. The City of Nashua began planning the project in 2015 withthe goal of improving the economy, strengthening downtown, and improving the quality oflife for the Nashua community. Designed by Boston-based ICON Architecture, the newfacility is constructed on the foundation of an existing building and incorporates an historicbuilding on West Pearl Street. The contemporary architecture is designedto complementthe urban context and celebrate the arts.

Jury Comments

Transporting audiences through a story, theaters are typically big, windowless boxes. Drawing many cues from context, your jury was impressed with how – in an audaciously fresh way - the Center paid homage to urban surroundings.

The datums established by surrounding buildings are cleverly reflected by the Center’s massing – especially the outdoor roof terrace’s relationship to an adjacent stone building. The manner in which the Center meets the ground is interesting – like a big luminescent white cloud floating over glass creating a dramatic evening presence. A yellow picture frame frames a view of the surroundings from within. Jurors were impressed with the thinking behind this project – including the reuse of the demolished building’s foundations, and the programming-level decision to support the local vibrant culinary scene by not having dining within the building. Less is more here.

A project exuding economy did not stifle big, bold brush strokes, making the Center an appropriate focal point.

The jury recognizes Nashua Center for the Arts with a Citation Award.

Photo credit: Trent Bell