Handel Performing Arts Center
This new performing arts center for the Hartt School of the University of Hartford is housed in a collection of industrial buildings designed by Albert Kahn built in 1928 for General Motors and used most recently as an automobile dealership. The complex had been abandoned for several years and was in near-collapse at the start of the project, but the large clear-span industrial spaces seemed ideal for dance, music and theater studios. A complete restructuring of the buildings and site was undertaken, resulting in a state-of-the-art performance center for this nationally-acclaimed music school.
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The complex comprises almost 72,000-SF in three rehabilitated industrial buildings, providing spaces designed for vocal, dance, theater, and community programs. It includes two performance spaces, rehearsal and recital rooms, dance studios, teaching and office space, a performance library, classrooms, a scene shop, costume shop, community space, bank, and café.
The completion of this project also initiated other projects in the area that inspired the stabilization and rehabilitation of the Upper Albany commercial district of Hartford.
CLIENT
University of Hartford
LOCATION
Hartford, Connecticut
YEAR COMPLETED
2008
SIZE
72,000 SF
COST
$21,000,000
Hartford Preservation Alliance Award
Connecticut Preservation Award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation
Connecticut Main Street Center Award of Excellence for Adaptive Reuse
Connecticut Real Estate Exchange Award for Adaptive Reuse
QA+M Architecture is a full-service architectural firm that provides programming, planning and interior design for clients in commercial, community, education, healthcare, historical, housing, and recreational/athletic markets. Staffed by 34 dedicated professionals, including 17 licensed architects, QA+M has grown to be the 4th largest architectural firm in the Greater Hartford area.
ADDRESS
195 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
SOCIAL MEDIA