New Performing Arts Complex

Q2 2026 Project Update

New Performing Arts Complex

March  - June 

Since the previous reporting cycle, the project has made significant progress. At the West Building, first-level concrete masonry unit (CMU) work was achieved consisting of six lifts, marking a key milestone. The recital hall achieved top-out at the sixth lift in early May, signifying the placement of a structural beam at the highest point of the building.

Removal of temporary bracing and scaffolding ensued as the structure comes together. Structural steel deliveries took place in mid-March to support steel erection that began in the third week of March. By early April, all primary structural steel, including main girders and framing columns, were in place. Welding activities continued into mid-April, with decking installation following. In May, reinforcement bar installation, formwork, and concrete pours for the second floor structure began. Second level structural activities approached completion in late April as the Recital Hall achieved top-out, or the placement of structural beams at the highest point of the hall. CMU work then resumed with the start of the first lift on the second level; activities are anticipated to continue into mid-June.

Recital hall roof framing started at the end of May and is expected to conclude in July. Meanwhile, roof framing for the west building will follow the conclusion of the placement of CMU and structural steel with a start date aimed at late June.

At the orchestra pit, waterproofing of the concrete walls on the south side of the theater lab began in late March, at the same time the final pile caps and grade beams were set in place. Upon the conclusion of foundation activities, concrete masonry installation resumed shortly after. Grouting and CMU work are expected to extend through mid-May.

Initial underground electrical work followed installation of wall formwork in April. Following its conclusion, slab on grade foundation work and CMU wall work proceeded. Additional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work for plumbing and electrical began following the completion of this portion of the wall placement.

Small piles were set in place to allow for shoring activities to hold soil for the duration of basement excavation. Activities continued for approximately two weeks including soil removal and grading of the basement area before transitioning to foundation preparation.
In April, crews encountered an unforeseen condition in the form of a 30,000-gallon tank in the vicinity of the basement area. Hazardous materials testing took place with no findings for the tank and soil in the surrounding area; as such, no further abatement protocols were required and the tank was promptly removed.

With the soil clean of contaminants, crews resumed soil work activities with grading and removal on that portion of the site; the excess soil was later used for backfilling near the orchestra pit and for the construction of a temporary access ramp for equipment. Major foundation work is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late May in the basement area involving cast-in-drill-hole activities followed by grade beam and pile cap excavation.

CMU wall erection began in May after site and earthwork were completed. Rough grading progressed at the Auditorium and East Classroom Building areas to enable the mobilization of upcoming caisson drilling in late May, setting the stage for structural foundation activities in June.

The construction project management team continued addressing deferred submittals of long lead and specialty systems, including production rigging, orchestra shell, tension grid, elevator guide rails, and glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), or exterior panels to form the building façade. The finalized deferred submittals were presented to DSA for its review and approval to meet future milestones.