Newark Symphony Hall (NSH), New Jersey’s largest black-run arts and entertainment venue, unveiled designs for its exterior renovation. This is part of a $ 50 million, three-phase, five-year project set to end in 100^e anniversary in 2025.

The design, by architectural firm Clarke Caton Hintz (CCH) based in Trenton, New Jersey, includes a new marquee and streetscape.

NSH was built in 1925 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In addition to restoring the facade of the building, the renovation will reinvent the block by adding bike paths, improved curbs, a central island and access to the streets. transport.

“With the help of historic conservation experts Clarke Caton Hintz and our extended project team, we will revitalize our corner of Broad Street while modernizing – and paying homage to – our historic site, a landmark institution for the city,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, Chairman of the NSH.

CCH’s work includes historical and contemporary design influences corresponding to the place’s presence in the “city of bricks.” Specifically, the hall’s new marquee is reminiscent of the one that stood at the NSH between the 1960s and 1970s. The translucent dome will shine a directional light on the building’s columns, making it a “beacon” for Broad Street. The facade of the glass roof will be lit by light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and a “Newark Symphony Hall” light panel.

“We very much appreciate the opportunity to breathe new life into such sacred land,” said John Hatch, FAIA, director of CCH.

“Our idea behind the entrance canopy / dome is to see it as a delicate yet daring structure, kind of a beacon that lights up the entire entrance sequence and invites everyone in,” Hatch said. “The curved glass and chevron shape of the dome, along with the creative streetscape, make the hall a gathering agent and, surely, one of the city’s most unique and historic attractions.

Design features also include a series of upward-facing LED lights for washing onto the facade from the sidewalk. This will be accompanied by new lampposts with teardrop-shaped light fixtures in front of the building, matching other sections of Broad Street.

Another noteworthy design element is the ‘NSH Plaza’ in front of the hall, serving as a pedestrian crossing. The large letters “NSH” placed in the sidewalk celebrating the artistic history of NSH are a component of public works and the arts. Each letter of the abbreviation will house a word cloud composed of the former musicians of the hall.

“Unveiling our design is just one step towards achieving our final score in 2025,” said Nash Laird. “Through the immense determination and collaboration at the city, state and federal government levels, we know this will be a monumental project that will drive job growth and engagement, especially for [Black, Indigenous, and people of color] BIPOC artists and individuals in our great city and the tri-state region.

As part of the five-year project, NSH will also improve nearly 4,645 m² (50,000 sq. Ft.) Of rental space, including the reactivation of a floor of the hall which has been dormant for over 30 years. The design specifications also include an accessible restaurant space at street level.