BAM took another step forward in its ambitious expansion plans on Saturday with groundbreaking ceremonies for the Richard B. Fisher building at 321 Ashland Place. As part of the LPC-approved plans, the existing two-story structure will be preserved and a six-story addition will go up behind it. (Check out a rendering of the project here.) The new center, which will cost an estimated $45 million to build, will include a 250-seat theater, a 1,400-square-foot rehearsal studio and a theater workshop. The design, by H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture, also features a “green-design rooftop” and exhibition space in the lobby. BAM has long hoped for an intimate and flexible performance space; one for artistic work of a different nature and scale from what is seen in our two larger theaters,” said BAM Executive Producer Joseph V. Melillo. “It has also been our hope to provide a center for the dynamic BAM arts education programs that serve so many NYC students. This is a significant step forward on both fronts.
LPC Signs Off on New BAM Performing Arts Building [Brownstoner]