Preparations for the Sandler Center began in 2001 when a 43-member advisory committee determined the need to replace the area’s aging 1,000-seat Pavilion Theatre. The committee determined that a new venue should be of a quality to attract Broadway level touring shows to the area as well as serve various local arts organizations, accommodate any performing art form, be flexible for use as a rental facility and offer youth programs.
The City prepared an outline program for the facility and organized a competition for design/build teams. This approach was chosen to assure a high quality facility within the available budget. The 2003 competition was awarded to the Clancy & Theys Construction Company team which had experience in design/build working together on a previous project in the area.
Auerbach Pollock Friedlander’s work included the planning of the facility, development of the Performance Hall seating configuration and design of the theatrical systems including the theatrical lighting and rigging systems for both venues.
The 1,300-seat Performance Hall was designed for multiple uses including theatre, popular and symphonic music, dance and public meetings. Auerbach Pollock Friedlander worked in collaboration with the Architects to develop the initial design concepts and designed the audience configurations including seating and sightlines. The Performance Hall consists of a main orchestra level, a mezzanine and balcony.
The 2,400-square foot studio theatre also serves as a rehearsal hall. The flexible space is equipped with ballet barres, a sprung floor, a variable acoustic system, a pipe grid and lighting system and can be configured to suit various uses including banquets for up to 125 seated guests. Sound equipment and a riser-type stage are available for small meetings, performances or lectures. The firm also consulted on the venue’s circulation scheme including the three 4,100 SF lobbies and the development of an infrastructure to support the 18,000 SF outdoor performance plaza.
The Sandler Center was recognized with an Award for Design Excellence by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the AIA.
