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
| Apr 11, 2013
George W. Bush Presidential Center achieves LEED Platinum certification
The George W. Bush Presidential Center announced today it has earned Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. The Bush Center is the first presidential library to achieve LEED Platinum certification under New Construction.
| Apr 11, 2013
American Folk Art Museum, opened in 2001, to be demolished
Just 12 years old, the museum designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien will be taken down to make way for MoMA expansion.
| Apr 5, 2013
Snøhetta design creates groundbreaking high-tech library for NCSU
The new Hunt Library at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, incorporates advanced building features, including a five-story robotic bookBot automatic retrieval system that holds 2 million volumes in reduced space.
| Apr 2, 2013
6 lobby design tips
If you do hotels, schools, student unions, office buildings, performing arts centers, transportation facilities, or any structure with a lobby, here are six principles from healthcare lobby design that make for happier users—and more satisfied owners.
| Mar 29, 2013
PBS broadcast to highlight '10 Buildings That Changed America'
WTTW Chicago, in partnership with the Society of Architectural Historians, has produced "10 Builidngs That Changed America," a TV show set to air May 12 on PBS.
| Mar 27, 2013
Small but mighty: Berkeley public library’s net-zero gem
The Building Team for Berkeley, Calif.’s new 9,500-sf West Branch library aims to achieve net-zero—and possibly net-positive—energy performance with the help of clever passive design techniques.
| Mar 22, 2013
8 cool cultural projects in the works
A soaring opera center in Hong Kong and a multi-tower music center in Calgary are among the latest cultural projects.
| Mar 15, 2013
7 most endangered buildings in Chicago
The Chicago Preservation Society released its annual list of the buildings at high risk for demolition.
| Feb 25, 2013
10 U.S. cities with the best urban forests
Charlotte, Denver, and Milwaukee are among 10 U.S. cities ranked recently by the conservation organization American Forests for having quality urban forest programs.
