As the city of Hackensack, N.J., awaits final approval of its comprehensive rehabilitation plan, DMR Architects is progressing with other revitalization efforts within the downtown footprint. The firm is working with the city of Hackensack, N.J., to redevelop a specific area within the 163 acres in need of rehabilitation, the former Masonic Temple.
Constructed in 1870, the Masonic Temple was previously vacant, for sale, and in arrears. In 2010, Hackensack purchased the building and hired DMR to complete Phase 1 plans to convert the building into a cultural and performing arts center, and convert the adjacent parking lot into a public park with outdoor performance space to benefit the surrounding commercial and office spaces. The building is nearing completion of Phase 1 and will open as a cultural arts center. Phase 2 will see renovations of the second floor into a performing arts center
When conversion of the adjacent parking lot is completed, the park will provide performance areas for spring and summer concerts, shaded outdoor space for lunch hours, an intimate garden, and outdoor chess tables.
“DMR is proud of our work in Hackensack, and we look forward to revitalizing the city into a vibrant center for thousands of residents, employees, and visitors,” said Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA, president and CEO of DMR Architects. “The Cultural and Performing Arts Center and Atlantic Street Park will support surrounding businesses and act as a catalyst of revitalization for the downtown area.”
Related Stories
Industrial Facilities | Feb 27, 2015
Massive windmill will double as mixed-use entertainment tower in Rotterdam
The 571-foot structure will house apartments, a hotel, restaurants, even a roller coaster.
Architects | Feb 27, 2015
5 finalists announced for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award
Bjarke Ingels' Danish Maritime Museum and the Ravensburg Art Museum by Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei are among the five projects vying for the award.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 25, 2015
Bjarke Ingels designs geodesic dome for energy production, community use
A new building in Uppsala, Sweden, will serve as a power plant during the winter and a venue for shows, festivals, and music events during the warm months.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 25, 2015
Edmonton considering 'freezeway' to embrace winter
If the new Edmonton Freezeway is constructed, residents will have an 11-km course that winds through the city and allows them to skate to work, school, and other city activities.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 20, 2015
‘Floating’ park on New York’s Hudson River moves one step closer to reality
The developers envision the 2.4-acre space as a major performance arts venue.
Modular Building | Feb 12, 2015
New shipping container complex begins construction in Albuquerque
The Green Jeans Farmery already has a hydroponic farm component courtesy of owner and entrepreneur Roy Solomon.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Architects look to ‘activate’ vacant block in San Diego with shipping container-based park
A team of alumni from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego has taken over a 28,500-sf empty city block in that metro to create what they hope will be a revenue-generating urban park.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Under the sea: Manmade island functions as artificial reef
The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 5, 2015
5 developments selected as 'best in urban placemaking'
Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, S.C., and the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Downtown Market are among the finalists for the 2015 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.