Legat Architects
← Back to All Work

Early Phases

The first part of the two-phase project included a temporary theater, a new roof, and an exterior plaza. A master plan created during the following year led to the remaining renovations.

3D Tour

During planning, Legat worked with engineering partner IMEG to create a 3D walkthrough that allowed Buffalo Grove Park District representatives to take a virtual tour of their new spaces.

buffalogroveparkdistrict-communityartscenter-virtualtour

“There’s something for everyone here, whether that means joining a performance group, getting private instruction, taking classes, or simply enjoying a show.”

Corridors: A New Focus

Formerly, the facility had corridors and gathering spaces with high, exposed white ceilings and exposed piping. In contrast, the new facility has an industrial feel with a black ceiling that makes ceiling clouds and light fixtures appear to float above patrons. A muted color palette puts the focus on the artwork, production posters, and patrons.

Movable Wall

An operable wall enables a multipurpose space to be closed off from the lobby.

“Buffalo Grove has some tremendous talent, but it’s not just about talent—with this facility, we’re giving every person, regardless of age, the opportunity to live out their dreams.”

Seating and Sound

The project raises the former flat seating area to improve views toward the stage. The perforated metal guardrail that wraps the seating area keeps views open and washes LED accent lighting down the textured concrete walls behind the seats. Ceiling clouds in a variety of shapes optimize acoustics.

Navigation

Tile accents and signage emphasize public amenities. Even restroom doors are decorated with box office imagery.

Community Inspired

A vinyl wall graphic in the lobby features words that the performing arts community used to describe what the center means to them. A gallery featuring work by local artists further represents the community. The lobby also offers display cases about performers and productions of Big Deal Productions, the district’s national award-winning theater program.

buffalogroveparkdistrict-communityartscenter-multipurpose

Multipurpose Room

A multipurpose space divisible with partitions hosts pre- and post-performance gatherings, as well as wedding receptions and other community events.

New Curtain Wall

Before the conversion, air leaked into the synagogue through windows and doors. The renovation brings a new curtain wall system with low-e tinted glass to not only reduce air infiltration and glare, but also showcase the interior light fixtures and lobby. A new drop-off curb and planter create more separation from the street.

“The very nature of this project—transforming a synagogue into a community arts center—is about as sustainable as you can get. You’re saving materials, land, and embodied energy, plus there’s the cultural value of the building within the community.”

Energy Efficiency

The project received LEED v4 ID+C: Commercial Interiors certification from the US Green Building Council. Among its sustainable features are high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, low-emitting electrical fixtures, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, Energy Star appliances, and building materials with healthier indoor air quality. Additionally, 93.5% of the construction and demolition waste was either reused or recycled, and lighting power consumption in the building was reduced by 61%.

buffalogroveparkdistrict-communityartscenter-energy
buffalogroveparkdistrict-communityartscenter-atrium

Atrium

Existing atrium space was cramped and dark, plus the height caused issues with echoes. New fabric light fixtures not only brighten the space, but also absorb sound. The project adds a second flooring finish to differentiate between the seating areas and the walkway.

Related Projects
Wilmette Public Works
Arlington Heights Public Works
Huntley Municipal Complex
Round Lake Village Hall