Gorman Richards Lewis Archititects celebrates opening of Hopkinton Center of the Arts

Hopkinton, MA The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) had its first gala and opening night event celebrating the substantial completion of the latest phase of construction at the arts site. Gorman Richards Lewis Archititects (GRLA) was part of this phased project for the past 18 years.

Hopkinton Center of the Arts - Hopkinton, MA

The HCA in 1997 proposed to turn the Terry Farm property into an arts center and GRLA provided design concepts for the development of the site that, while changed since then, provided the visual concept of what an Arts Center could be.

Once CPC funding was approved, GRLA worked closely with specialty restoration contractors on the first phase of the project back in 2005-2007 to stabilize and strengthen the existing barn. This included removing heaved and settled concrete floors, excavating the dirt floor down to proper grade and structurally reinforcing the post and beam frame.

Several years passed as funding was garnered and then the Phase 2 work began in 2013 by Gassett Building to convert the barn into usable art and dance classroom space as well as provide a 2,000 s/f multi-use space on the second floor. GRLA assisted with the design for the space as well as the completion of the design for the major performance space, gallery space and green room. The barn portion renovation was completed in time for 2015 summer camp.

GRLA and the HCA consultants continued with the final design phase which included the gallery space, the 3,000 s/f multi-purpose space performance space, green room and support offices and storage.

The design team included RRC Engineering, BER Engineering, and Reflex Lighting working with the HCA team to design effective yet flexible spaces for the classes and performance spaces. The design team’s work included the design of the dramatic 56’ long trusses for the multipurpose space, all of the HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and lighting systems and we assisted with the integration of the AV systems.