Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Olympia, Washington

In 1985 the Liberty (Olympic) Theater was gutted and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts was constructed as Olympia’s premier live performance space.  After 25 years the Exterior Insulation Finish System on the exterior walls began to fail, and new exterior siding was needed.  The new siding provided an opportunity to improve the design of the façade and the experience for the patrons of the Center.

The new façade reflects the character of this historic Downtown neighborhood by the use of brick and stone and the addition of a pedestrian awning along the length of the building.  The rebuilt entry is taller and better lit, with more windows to the lobby, and new sign. The entry canopy, with its convex shape is welcoming to visitors and doubles as a bandstand shell for outdoor street performances. Photos: Doug Walker Photography

a hands-on approach to creating beautiful, responsive, and sustainable architecture