This project involved the design of a 36,700 square foot municipal arts facility containing a 494-seat music performance hall, a black box theatre, a rehearsal hall, and support space. It serves as the cultural center for this community and is home to the Civic Chorus, Community Theatre, Community Band, and the Symphony Orchestra. The acoustical quality of the spaces was particularly important, as was acoustical isolation of all noise generators. To meet the extremely tight budget and yet achieve the spatial volume needed acoustically, tilt-wall concrete panels were used for the basic structure. Utilizing the L-shaped remains of an old hospital building, Milton Powell & Partners created a major courtyard used for outdoor events by adding the performance hall and entry/galleries. With the acoustical isolation achieved, performances can occur simultaneously in the performance hall, the black box theatre, and the rehearsal hall.

Publications:

• "Brood plays deep"
  The Dallas Morning News, 3/30/2002
  Scott Cantrell, Classical Music Critic
  
  
• "From healing the body to soothing the soul"
  Building Design & Construction, January, 1998
  Hugh Cook, Associate Editor
  
  
• "Mesquite Nocturne"
  Texas Architect, November-December, 1997
  Willis Winters, AIA, Contributing Editor
  
  
• "Hallelujah, a heavenly sound"
  The Dallas Morning News, 12/4/1996
  Lawson Taitte, Arts Critic
  
  
• "New arts center makes a statement about the city of Mesquite"
  Richardson News, 11/3/1996
  Virginia Leech, Guest Commentator