Wilson Butler Architects has been working with Boston University’s, College of Fine Arts (CFA) since 2001. Working extensively with CFA’s 808 and 855 Commonwealth Avenue buildings, generating studies and designs to best utilize, adapt and re-imagine these historic buildings to fulfill the needs of today’s students, increase the success of the arts programming, and re-invigorate the physical center of the campus.

Wilson Butler Architects was originally engaged to prepare a comprehensive program inventory and building evaluation. The end result was the 2004 Master Plan which addressed immediate needs as well as laying the foundation for the future vision of the CFA (The “Art at the Heart” Plan).

At 855 Commonwealth Avenue renovations to the Harris Music and Teaching Center at 855 Commonwealth Avenue, was completed in 2009. Music students have access to plentiful private practice rooms and group learning spaces, together with hangout spots for spontaneous jam sessions.

In 2012, the concept of establishing a new iconic College of Fine Arts on the BU Charles River Campus was revisited. The program included several new iconic spaces for visual arts, music and theater. This project was completed through Schematic Design to help the school define a budget for the work and aid in fundraising efforts.

Renovations to the Harris Music and Teaching Center at 855 Commonwealth Avenue, along with a new printmaking studio and classrooms at 808 Commonwealth Avenue, were completed in 2009. Print and graphic artists are welcomed into lofty, naturally lit studios and music students have access to plentiful private practice rooms and group learning spaces, together with hangout spots for spontaneous jam session.

Wilson Butler is currently renovating the Art Gallery, Movement Studio and Theater Lab as a result of the earlier design effort in 2012. As part of this project, we are updating the façade including bringing back the oversized windows that were filled in over 40 years ago, which will enliven the streetscape and the gallery’s presence along Commonwealth Avenue. We are also developing a feasibility study / schematic design for relocating the College of Fine Arts graduate graphic design program into 808 Commonwealth Avenue’s 4th floor.