WORK: Featured Projects: OVERVIEW

In 2007 Chaintreuil Jensen Stark Architects, LLP was commissioned by the University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music to develop plans for the right-sizing of the Eastman Theatre. The project includes both renovations and additions to this McKim, Mead, & White landmark.

The renovation portion of the project includes a reconfiguration of the orchestra and mezzanine levels of the theatre to narrow the hall by adding box seats. This will reduce the capacity from 3,000 to 2,250 seats while maintaining the historic character of the landmark building. It will result in a reduction of the overall volume of the hall and will create acoustical intimacy and warmth. The removal of seats in the rear, below the mezzanine, will allow for expansion of the existing lobby and the addition of support spaces currently not provided at the orchestra level.

The addition includes a large rehearsal hall, a 200 seat recital hall, recording studio, gift shop, storage and mechanical spaces. A new lobby/atrium will provide new vertical circulation and convenient access to the orchestra, mezzanine and balcony levels of the theatre for patrons arriving from an adjacent parking garage.