Performing Arts Center Eastside Selects Architect
Much-needed arts center on Eastside taking shape
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dick Collins 425.462.4295
Bellevue, WA—The Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) today announced the selection of Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (HHPA) as architects for the new theater. HHPA was selected after a competitive national review of 14 architectural firms that met the strict criteria established for applicants.
"HHPA has a tremendous amount of experience in designing the type of multi-purpose, community-enhancing venue we are creating for the Eastside," said Maxine Barnard, chairman of the PACE Architecture and Design Committee. "Their talent, international experience and local connections make them an ideal fit for the team we have been assembling during the past few months."
HHPA's extensive theater credits include such diverse work as the rejuvenation of Radio City Music Hall, Hyperion Theater at Disney's California Adventure, as well as performance facilities at prestigious universities across the country. HHPA also designed the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, Oregon; the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Anchorage; and the RiverCenter for Performing Arts in Columbus, Georgia - multi-purpose facilities similar to PACE. HHPA founding partner, Norman Pfeiffer, a native of Kirkland, earned his degree in architecture at the University of Washington and has served on its Architectural Commission since 1989.
"The PACE board members have a clear vision of what they want for the community, and it's exciting to be given the opportunity to design that vision for the area where I grew up and still have family, friends and business associates," said Norman Pfeiffer. PACE will bring professional touring productions to Eastside audiences, as well as provide a mid-sized, multi-purpose venue for local arts organizations. The center will feature state-of-the-art technology and a highly flexible seating arrangement to accommodate varying sizes of audiences and also give performing groups space to grow. An 1,800-seat facility will be built with 900 to 1,000 seats on the orchestra level, 250 seats in the loge, 350 seats on the mezzanine and 350 seats in the balcony and boxes.
Last spring, the city of Bellevue passed a resolution supporting PACE's proposal, which cited research conducted over the past decade by the city showing a strong Eastside market for a performing arts center. Kemper Freeman, a member of the board of directors, donated the building site, located at the corner of 106th Avenue N.E. and N.E. 10th Street in downtown Bellevue, adjacent to Bellevue Place.
HHPA joins the PACE project team led by executive director, Dick Collins. The team also includes Peder Knudson of Knudson & Ward, theater design consultant; Maria Barrientos of Barrientos LLC, project management; Sonya Campion and Stuart Grover of The Collins Group, fundraising; and Perkins Coie, legal counsel. PACE offices are now located in an office building on the identified site.
The PACE board of directors consists of committed community and business leaders, longtime advocates of the arts and Eastside development. "PACE will be part of the legacy that we can pass on to future generations," said Ron Smith, PACE president. "With the addition of the HHPA architectural team we look forward to our goal of building a theater that will be an Eastside cultural landmark."