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Woodward Garden Theater
Woodward Garden Theater
Detroit, MI, United States
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Other Projects by McIntosh Poris Architects
Woodward Garden Theater
Detroit, MI, United States
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2013
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
Photos
As design architects and interior designers for the Woodward Garden Theater, McIntosh Poris Architects returned the historic theater—abandoned for more than 20 years—to its original and rightful purpose, a showplace for live entertainment. An overall interior restoration, design, and enhancement reinvigorated the landmark theater into a state-of-the-art destination for concerts, live events, and multimedia productions. Its revived main showroom floor accommodates 1,000 people (standing), with mezzanine holding approximately 200 to more.
McIntosh Poris Architects collaborated with Quinn Evans Architects to restore the building shell using a dynamic blend of historic preservation and contemporary design. On the front façade, Victorian brick provides a contrasting background for Howard C. Crane’s Beaux Arts white terracotta theater entry, while a new aluminum arched canopy echoes the missing original decorative one.
A two-story entry lobby and atrium was salvaged from the wreckage of what remained of the building. The resulting space shows a contrast between the rustic character of the reconstructed brick walls and new laser-cut steel acoustic panels. The pattern recalls the garden that once existed in its place. Skylights over the new garden atrium bring unexpected daylight and moonlight into the space that once was open between the front and theater building.
The original ornate theater ceiling was uncovered and patched, adding historical urban chic. The raw aesthetic of existing brick walls was tempered by the elegance of the remaining ornate plaster and new light fixtures. New laser-cut MDF acoustic panels flank the sidewalls, while the rear of the theater is covered in acoustical draperies. The floor of the mezzanine was constructed of acoustical metal decking, all working to make the theater an excellent multi-purpose entertainment venue.
Original tiered levels on the main floor are now one level with a transverse ramp that takes visitors from the bar area onto the main floor. A new balcony was added and can be accessed by bridges over the lobby atrium from the second floor of the front building. Additional program elements include multi-purpose conference rooms, third-floor office, restaurant/bar, catering kitchen, and green rooms.
McIntosh Poris Architects collaborated with Quinn Evans Architects to restore the building shell using a dynamic blend of historic preservation and contemporary design. On the front façade, Victorian brick provides a contrasting background for Howard C. Crane’s Beaux Arts white terracotta theater entry, while a new aluminum arched canopy echoes the missing original decorative one.
A two-story entry lobby and atrium was salvaged from the wreckage of what remained of the building. The resulting space shows a contrast between the rustic character of the reconstructed brick walls and new laser-cut steel acoustic panels. The pattern recalls the garden that once existed in its place. Skylights over the new garden atrium bring unexpected daylight and moonlight into the space that once was open between the front and theater building.
The original ornate theater ceiling was uncovered and patched, adding historical urban chic. The raw aesthetic of existing brick walls was tempered by the elegance of the remaining ornate plaster and new light fixtures. New laser-cut MDF acoustic panels flank the sidewalls, while the rear of the theater is covered in acoustical draperies. The floor of the mezzanine was constructed of acoustical metal decking, all working to make the theater an excellent multi-purpose entertainment venue.
Original tiered levels on the main floor are now one level with a transverse ramp that takes visitors from the bar area onto the main floor. A new balcony was added and can be accessed by bridges over the lobby atrium from the second floor of the front building. Additional program elements include multi-purpose conference rooms, third-floor office, restaurant/bar, catering kitchen, and green rooms.
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