Henry Adams provided the MEP engineering design for the award-winning $88M, 173,000 SF, LEED Gold renovation and expansion of the Center for Performing Arts, which stands proud in the heart of campus. The outside shows off its modern-looking exterior with its angular roof, large windows, and metal cladding decorating the brick. The inside features state-of-the art theaters and recital halls which eagerly await many performances to come. 

The performing arts center supports the enhancement of vital Liberal Arts departments and programs dedicated to performing and communication arts. The new facility uplifts, empowers, and encourages creative-minded students by offering workforce development, student services, and community outreach programs. With the building being the venue for a number of performances open to the public each semester, the academic center will act as a bridge, connecting PGCC to its neighboring communities, encouraging community involvement and support. 

Bridges connecting the second floor to the Grand Theatre and other work spaces allow for an open-air, high-ceiling lobby. The lobby immerses students and visitors into a creative environment upon entry with the large, circular light feature above the prominent, cylindrical design of the red Proscenium Theatre. Balconies and overlooks are another eccentric twist to this uniquely creative space. The balconies and overlooks in wall cut-outs allow students and visitors to appreciate the building’s design from many angles they typically wouldn’t be able to see. 

This project renovated approximately 38,000 SF and added 135,000 SF to transform the existing Queen Anne Fine Arts Center beyond imagination. The renovation replaced deteriorated building infrastructure components and corrected issues to meet current ADA code requirements. The building has modernized finishes and equipment, and even features a large dance studio with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a dance barre. This new space allows for PGCC’s new Dance major in the Theatre curriculum, which significantly impacts those passionate students wishing to pursue their love of dance. 

The awe-inspiring creative academic workspace also has large expanded spaces to improve and transform the curricula of Music, Theatre, Speech, Television, Radio, and Film. Beyond offices and classrooms, the Queen Anne Academic Center features the renovated, 759-seat Hallam Theatre, 304-seat Proscenium Theatre, 152-seat Blackbox Studio, and an instructional theatre. In addition, the building offers entertainment technology labs, a conference center with many instructional conference spaces, a TV studio, audio studios, a scene space to assemble sets, production labs, music rehearsal spaces, dance studios, and an art gallery. There is also a grab-and-go coffee and snack location appropriately coined “Encore Café,” which mirrors the pulse of the building – cheering for an encore from passionate and creative performing arts students looking to make it big.  

The mechanical scope includes HVAC, associated building controls, and fire suppression. This project incorporated the design of a standalone heating plant, air cooled chillers, and distributed variable air volume air handling units for eight systems within the building. These spaces include Hallam seating and stage, Proscenium Stage, Black Box, Scene Shop, and Buildings North, South, and Central. The entire building was provided with an automatic wet sprinkler system and a fire pump to provide for the system. The plumbing scope encompasses sanitary, vent, water, and gas. 

The electrical scope includes power, lighting, fire alarm, security access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance. Two transformers were installed outside and pad mounted on grade as part of the electrical distribution system. Individual workspaces and shared multi-occupant spaces feature user-controlled, flexible, task-appropriate lighting controls follow the requirements for LEED Energy and Atmosphere. A complete addressable fire alarm system with occupant notification by voice evacuation was provided and integrated with the existing campus system. The building entrance doors were programmed to lock and unlock at certain times of the day. An emergency call box is located at the loading dock, terrace, and the main entrance level.

The project won an Honor Award as part of the ACEC/MD Excellence in Engineering Awards Program. The award reflects innovative excellence in engineering design. 

Additionally, the project was featured in the Steinway Chronicle as all of the pianos inside the performing arts center are Steinway models.

Additional Information:

Location	Largo, MD
Construction Value	$88,000,000
Owner	Prince George's Community College
Architect	Pfeiffer Partners

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