Rebuilt after a fire in 1910, the 860-seat Academy of Music went “dark” in 1958. The city’s effort to bring it back to life began in 1998, when we joined forces with CT-based AMS Planning and Research to study the feasibility of restoring this Lynchburg jewel.

Our design strategy was to acquire the adjacent Civil War era mercantile building. This structure provides enough space for a new lobby and theatrical support spaces. The under-utilized street between the two buildings will become a multi-leveled courtyard space connecting the auditorium to the mercantile building. This lively exterior terrace on the main level invites patrons to the theater, while the second level glass-covered trellis allows them to relax and enjoy the surroundings. This social space also serves as a connecting structure to the green room the rehearsal spaces and the mechanical plant at the rear of the courtyard.

In addition, the building program includes a new stagehouse, loading dock and dressing rooms. As part of the renovation, the plasterwork will be restored and the theater will be made ADA code compliant.

Project Info
Cost: $13,000,000
Complete: 1999
Scope: Architecture, Planning
Client: Academy of Music
Staff: Scott Wilson, AIA; Scott Butler, AIA