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FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Feb 20, 2020, 03:54 AM
The new performing arts facility is comprised of four state-of-the-art performance venues for music, theatre, dance and film.
List Title : FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Page title : FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Detailed location : ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO
Client : The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines
Consultant : Diamond Schmitt Architects
Contract type : Stipulated Sum
Project value : $42,000,000
Project size : 8,600 sq. m.
Duration : 30 months
Award :
Lead certification level :
Featured : No

The new performing arts facility is comprised of four state-of-the-art performance venues for music, theatre, dance and film: a 775-seat concert hall, a 160-seat dance theatre, a 300-seat recital hall and a 200-seat film theatre.

Upon award of the project, Bird, together with the architect and the structural steel subcontractor determined that the development would benefit from embedding the virtual design construction process. Progressing the structural, mechanical and architectural model to the fabrication drawings in the virtual space allowed the team to employ clash detections between the facility’s components, review construction schedules and verifying site logistics. BIM tools were also used as a means to visualize the design in showcasing the project to potential donors.

In partnership with Brock University, the City of St. Catharines agreed to lease a portion of the theatre to the university. With its newly constructed performing arts school (also built by Bird) located directly beside the performing arts centre, Brock was eager to leverage the facility’s space for the start of the fall 2015 semester. Subsequently, Bird proposed a phased approach to the remaining construction, focusing on completing the university’s leased area first. Successfully delivering the leased portion of the facility in time, Bird continued with the remaining phase in the following months. In early November, the second phase of the project was completed with a grand opening in the much anticipated gala.

Delivery Model : Construction Management
Services :
  • BIM/VDC
  • LEED/Sustainable Construction
Markets :
  • Recreation/Culture/Entertainment
Location : Ontario
Sector : Buildings
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre exterior showing entrance and building signage Hallway Detailing Millwork Ceiling Detail Crimson Wall and Marble Flooring