Santa Rosa, California, USA
Mark Cavagnero and his design team together with TLCD Architecture and landscape architects Quadriga are completing the plan for the renovation and modernization of The Burbank Auditorium at Santa Rosa Junior College as the main theatrical venue for the district.
The Burbank Auditorium Modernization project involved the modernization of the interior and exterior of the entire 30,000 square-foot Burbank Auditorium building originally built in 1938, as well as a 5,000 square-foot addition.
The strategic renovation and expansion, this project respects the qualities of the 1930’s architectural gem, while providing the programmatic and state-of-the-art technological amenities desired by students and patrons.
The historic brick 1930’s building, with additions in the 1960s and 1980s, was in dire need of renovation to support contemporary theatrical and performance needs.
The theater needed the flexibility to serve the college’s instructional theater program as well an intense Summer Repertory Theater program that brings performers, directors, and technicians from all over the United States.
The existing shallow-sloped main auditorium, with poor sightlines, is being renovated to tiered seating for 400.
An overhead tension grid will provide safer and more effective lighting and technical support for the theater.
A 200-seat multipurpose addition will serve both campus instructional needs as well as acting as a “black box” theater and rehearsal venue.
Working carefully within the complex historic shell, improvements will significantly improve accessibility for both students and audience members.
Superintendent and President Dr. Frank Chong noted, “This extraordinary design will complement the work of our outstanding theater programs and will bring a new generation of theater lovers to the college.”
“We could not be more proud of the 100 year legacy of SRJC, and the renovated Burbank Theater will allow our students to share their incredible talent with the SRJC community for the next 100 years.”
Project: Luther Burbank Auditorium Modernization
Architects: Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects
Executive Architects: TLCD Architecture
Design Team: Mark Cavagnero, John Fung, Olga Luebker, Andy Lau, Federica Carrara, and Steven Lee
Client: Santa Rosa Junior College
General Contractor: Wright Contracting
Structural Engineers: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architects: Quadriga
Photographer: Tim Griffiths
