Arthouse at the Jones Center

The renovation and expansion of Arthouse at the Jones Center at 700 Congress Avenue added over 13,000 SF of functional space over four levels, including a mezzanine, an impressive roof deck (with cooling towers) constructed with Brazilian walnut planks known as ‘ipe’, and a 42 foot-high ipe stairway visually connecting the first floor to the rooftop level. The once 7,000 SF visual arts center now boasts 21,000 SF of working space. Structura was hired to build 14,000 SF of new program within the building envelope, including an entry lounge, a video/projects room, a large gallery, multi-purpose room, two artists’ studios, additional art preparation areas, and an occupying roof deck.

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The exterior walls, newly clad in stucco, are punctuated by 177 laminated glass blocks integrated with LED lighting, further enhancing the visual richness of the space both inside and out. A plaster, steel and glass canopied entrance will welcome visitors to the redesigned and expanded contemporary art center. The existing building is an idiosyncratic hybrid of a 1920s theater and a 1950s department store.

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