Storrs,CT

University of Connecticut selected H3 to assess the vital needs of the School of Fine Arts program, space requirements, and facility condition needs to formulate a project scope of work which can be implemented over the next few years. A previous study outlined a series of major interventions to the Music Building, von der Mehden Recital Hall, Drama Wing, Art/Art History Building, Nafe Katter Theater, and Depot Campus that vastly exceeded available budget allocations. H3’s study prioritized targeted renovations within the $15 million budget to bring the School of Fine Arts facilities to a contemporary, competitive level that reflects the quality of their programs.

After the study was completed, H3 was retained to provide design services for the addition to the current School of Fine Arts Center. The proposed building addition unifies the SFA’s scattered production activities (paint shop, scene shop, and prop shop) into one location to create unity, functional cohesion, and improve circulation within the SFA complex. This new production facility reflects growing importance of the arts to the life of the University. The facility and prominent physical presence on campus is a means of increasing the connections between the main campus and fine arts having a more prominent role in the University and the larger Storrs community.

CLIENT: University of Connecticut
COMPLETION: 2020
SIZE: 25,000 square feet
COST: $21 million