As the city of Hackensack, N.J., awaits final approval of its comprehensive rehabilitation plan, DMR Architects is progressing with other revitalization efforts within the downtown footprint. The firm is working with the city of Hackensack, N.J., to redevelop a specific area within the 163 acres in need of rehabilitation, the former Masonic Temple.
Constructed in 1870, the Masonic Temple was previously vacant, for sale, and in arrears. In 2010, Hackensack purchased the building and hired DMR to complete Phase 1 plans to convert the building into a cultural and performing arts center, and convert the adjacent parking lot into a public park with outdoor performance space to benefit the surrounding commercial and office spaces. The building is nearing completion of Phase 1 and will open as a cultural arts center. Phase 2 will see renovations of the second floor into a performing arts center
When conversion of the adjacent parking lot is completed, the park will provide performance areas for spring and summer concerts, shaded outdoor space for lunch hours, an intimate garden, and outdoor chess tables.
“DMR is proud of our work in Hackensack, and we look forward to revitalizing the city into a vibrant center for thousands of residents, employees, and visitors,” said Lloyd A. Rosenberg, AIA, president and CEO of DMR Architects. “The Cultural and Performing Arts Center and Atlantic Street Park will support surrounding businesses and act as a catalyst of revitalization for the downtown area.”
Related Stories
| Jan 7, 2015
University of Chicago releases proposed sites for Obama library bid
There are two proposed sites for the plan, both owned by the Chicago Park District in Chicago’s South Side, near the university’s campus in Hyde Park, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
| Jan 7, 2015
4 audacious projects that could transform Houston
Converting the Astrodome to an urban farm and public park is one of the proposals on the table in Houston, according to news site Houston CultureMap.
| Jan 6, 2015
Snøhetta unveils design proposal of the Barack Obama Presidential Center Library for the University of Hawaii
The plan by Snøhetta and WCIT Architecture features a building that appears square from the outside, but opens at one corner into a rounded courtyard with a pool, Dezeen reports.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
| Dec 29, 2014
'Russian nesting doll' design provides unique fire protection solution for movie negatives
A major movie studio needed a new vault to protect its irreplaceable negatives for films released after 1982. SmithGroupJJR came up with a box-in-a-box design solution. It was named a Great Solution by the editors of Building Design+Construction.
| Dec 28, 2014
Robots, drones, and printed buildings: The promise of automated construction
Building Teams across the globe are employing advanced robotics to simplify what is inherently a complex, messy process—construction.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Dec 22, 2014
Skanska to build Miami’s Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the 250,000-sf museum will serve as an economic engine and cultural anchor for Miami’s fast-growing urban core.
| Dec 9, 2014
Steven Holl wins Mumbai City Museum competition with 'solar water' scheme
Steven Holl's design for the new wing features a reflective pool that will generate energy.
| Dec 9, 2014
Must see: World's tallest cylindrical aquarium unveiled in Moscow
The aquarium, designed and built by International Concept Management, is a staggering 23 meters tall and is viewable from all four levels of Europe's largest shopping center.
