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The University of North Carolina School of the Arts announced Thursday that it has selected a design team for the second and final phase of the Stevens Center renovation.
The university’s Board of Trustees selected Charlotte-based Jenkins Peer Architects and retained Los Angeles-based Steinberg Hart for the second phase. Steinberg Hart and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting of Charlotte are handling the first phase.
UNCSA has a 77,500-square-foot performing arts center.
The Stevens Center closed for renovations in November and will remain closed throughout the renovation process, which is expected to take at least three years.
The university also provided an update on the progress of the first phase, which includes renovating the halls and making “critical repairs” to the building’s exterior to address water intrusion issues and ensure it is waterproof.
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UNCSA said Thursday that a more precise timeline for the renovations and expected building reopening will be determined after the design and planning phase of Phase 2 is completed. Construction on the second phase is expected to begin in the fall of 2025.
The 1,366-seat center opened in 1929. The neoclassical building was restored and reopened in 1983 with a redesigned stage and backstage to host Broadway-scale live performances of music, theatre, dance and opera.
“The team’s expertise in architectural design and commitment to innovation and community align perfectly with our vision for the future of the Stevens Center, which will be a center of excellence in the arts, a training ground for future artists, and a triad A catalyst community for the arts and entertainment,” UNCSA Chancellor Brian Cole said in a statement.
UNCSA has not disclosed the total capital investment. It sought and received $80.8 million in funding from the General Assembly through the state budget.
The remainder comes from private funding for renovations and long-term support for planning and building maintenance.
Phase two will primarily involve interior renovations, such as “a complete remodel of the audience room, including improved seating and stage, and reconfigured balconies to improve sightlines.”
“Technological improvements will allow students and partner organizations to use equipment that meets current industry standards.”
The renovation of the hall, which is underway in the first phase, will provide a smoother entrance for spectators and visitors and increase accessibility and amenities. Improvements focused on guest comfort will also be included, such as refurbished restrooms and updated concession spaces. “
Repairs include replacing the roof; repairing the brick exterior, terracotta facade and windows; and improving backstage spaces, including dressing rooms and lounges.
UNCSA is accepting input into the project from the Winston-Salem community as well as partner organizations such as the Winston-Salem Symphony, Piedmont Opera and the National Black Theater Festival, which call the Stevens Center their own s home.
Frank L. Blum Construction Co. and WC Construction Co. are the construction managers for the first phase of the renovation project. WC is a minority-owned, historically underutilized corporate certification company that has been in business for 17 years.
In September 2017, UNCSA trustees approved a conceptual master renovation plan.
Then-UNCSA President Lindsay Bierman said in September 2017 that the plan provided a detailed analysis of existing conditions, reflected the “must-haves” of most campus and community stakeholders, and outlined what would make the Stevens Center Actual cost estimates and building codes that meet current industry standards.
Construction and other projects, including furniture, new rigging systems, lighting and audio/visual equipment, were expected to cost $35.2 million at the time.
UNCSA said that while Little and Steinberg Hart developed new design plans, they looked to the 2017 conceptual plan.
Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, said even though it took years to get renovation funding into the state budget, its inclusion in the state budget represents an acknowledgment that “the Stevens Center is a great addition to the state budget.” Our community is well served and is a shining example of our commitment to arts and education programs.
“However, it needs repairs and updates,” Lambeth said.
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