Where We're Starting
Current State
This is how the building looks right now — before any changes. The upstairs has multiple smaller individual rooms. The downstairs is largely open.
What We're Exploring
Upstairs Options
Three possible directions for the upstairs, ranging from light-touch to more open. Keep in mind these are starting points — the final plan might pull pieces from multiple options, or go a direction we haven't drawn yet. We just want to know what's working, what's not, and what we might be missing.
Storage containers: For costumes, props, and other items that don't require climate control, we're also exploring the use of exterior storage containers as supplemental storage. This could offset some of the pressure on interior space regardless of which layout we choose.
Dumbwaiter: We're looking at adding a dumbwaiter as part of any plan that moves costumes, props, or equipment between floors. This would make it significantly easier to move items up and down without having to carry everything through the stairwell.
Move costumes upstairs and reassign the existing rooms into functional zones — without removing any walls. This is the lightest-touch option, working with what's already there.
- Costume Storage in the main open area (rack rows)
- Props/Storage, Visual Arts Storage, and Tech Storage in existing rooms
- Flex Space and Changing Rooms retained
- Hallway stays — keeps the flow between rooms
Same functional zones as Option 1, but the interior storage walls come down to create one larger, more open storage area. More rack space, easier to move around in.
- Storage walls removed — Costume, Props, and Visual Arts Storage flow together
- Tech Storage, Flex Space, and Changing Rooms remain
- More usable rack/shelving capacity than Option 1
- Requires some construction work
Goes further than Option 2 by also removing the tech storage walls. Creates the most open, flexible upstairs space with clearly defined zones and the largest costume storage footprint.
- Costume Storage — largest footprint of any option
- Flex Space (Sewing / Recording Sound / Building Props)
- Tech Booth
- Shop Lobby · Staging Area
- Changing Rooms at the perimeter
- Most construction of the three options
Also in the Works
Theater & Downstairs Concepts
A few additional views showing ideas for the theater and the main downstairs flex space.
A few things to think about as you look through these
Which layout feels closest to what you'd want? What's missing from all three? Are there features or needs that none of these address? There's no wrong answer — and if your reaction is "none of the above, here's what I'd actually want," that's exactly the kind of feedback we need.