urbanMSP

Looks like this is back on! Demo begins this summer:
http://www.startribune.com/entertainmen ... 51691.html

No better time to renovate than when you've kicked all your performers to the curb...

Construction has begun:
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/m ... n-new.html

On a side note, there is a historic theater (The Palace) roughly this size sitting vacant and in good shape a couple blocks away, and I know the owners want to get the lights back on. I'm sure there's a good reason for building a new space, but it still seems strange to have this happen. Regardless, nice to see the SPCO having things turn around, as opposed to our other orchestra...

i havn't been able to find any renderings of the new hall's interior. there is nothing on hga's site.

I should mention that this project has been progressing for quite a while -- I'm normally on the east end of downtown St. Paul, and typically only get over to Rice Park and the Ordway in the evenings when the low-hanging sun behind the site makes taking photos impossible. Hopefully I'll remember to take a morning photo one of these days.

There's currently a big empty space at the southwest corner of 5th Street and Washington Street.

Phonecam shot from this morning

A new block has appeared (elevator shaft? stairwell?):


img_7055 by Mulad, on Flickr

Here's the project website, which I didn't see posted yet:
http://www.artspartnership.org/artspart ... lcome.html

It's been quite a while since I've been able to get a shot of the Ordway project:


img_8311-edit by Mulad, on Flickr

I believe the front windows have been in for a while, and I noticed this morning that brick was being put up on the north side of the building.

They're getting ready to open! Here are some "first glimpse" photos: http://www.knightarts.org/community/stp ... ncert-hall

That wood treatment onstage is like an exact copy of my high school auditorium. Très chic 1973

I was at the Chamber Orchestra last night and at intermission I was able to look though the glass wall that divides the two theater lobbies. While the designers certainly took their styling cues from the current lobby I noticed a few differences. While the carper was blue in the new lobby is still blue it isn't the same pattern as the current. Also in the new lobby the railing surrounding the stairwells were simply glass and on the second floor the HVAC vents were on the floor instead of being raised on benches like the currently lobby.

I'm also not a fan of the white acoustic tiles on the wall. I know why there are there and there importance but I'm not a fan for the visual. I also wish the lobby wrapped further around on 5th St instead of just kinda peaking over the corner. But the wave like wood dowel ceiling is beautiful and going to become a signature element of the theater, the Chamber Orchestra, and the TC performing arts community.

well i have to say i rather like the interior and consider this new music room a gem.