Dorothy Young Center for the Performing Arts Music Wing, Drew University

The Dorothy Young Center for the Performing Arts is a new choral and orchestral music performance and rehearsal facility. The project team, led by M+Sa principal Michael Schnoering, AIA as Managing Partner,* studied three concepts for the Center at the outset of the project. Three options were investigated that ranged from a 300- to 400-seat performance space. Ultimately, a 450-seat concert hall was constructed with a link to the existing arts wing provided through a new lobby. Support and academic facilities were also designed as significant components of the project, and included new choral and instrument rehearsal rooms, robing and dressing rooms, and storage space.

The new hall incorporates state-of-the-art architectural acoustic design and provides a teaching and performance space for the University music department. The concert hall also serves as a significant link between the University and the broader community and region.

*working as Farewell Mills Gatsch Architects, LLC.