The Center Stage Theater Renovation and Addition project was a full renovation to a six-story, 100,000 SF building constructed in 1855 for Loyola High School and the St. Ignatius Church. The project included selective demolition and renovation throughout the building. Historical elements were maintained and restored throughout the project to preserve the building’s unique character. The renovation included:

The project also included a 4,800 SF addition that required foundation and existing steel reinforcement and created space for the new costume shop. Prior to the renovation, the building housed two theater spaces, The Pearlstone and Head Theaters. The Pearlstone Theater received minor finish upgrades along with MEP, life safety and audiovisual improvements.

The Head Theater was completely gutted for the interior renovation of a new theater. Structural steel framing was reinforced for new loads, and new tiered floor and balcony levels were created. The new theater received an advanced theater package, including stage engineering, stage lighting and audiovisual systems. Historic finishes were restored in locations and integrated into the new design to maintain the history of the building.

This project won Awards from the Baltimore Building Congress for Electrical and audiovisual systems, a Baltimore Heritage Award, and an AIA Baltimore Design Excellence Award.