Arena Stage Washington, D.C.

PROJECT COST: $101.2 Million

The Arena Stage at the Mead Center for the American Theater in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a $101.2-million, 200,000-sq-ft renovation and expansion to create new performing arts spaces and improve the existing building.

Clark Construction Group of Bethesda, Md., began the 30-month project for the Washington Drama Society in January 2008. The company will restore and renovate the two existing theaters to improve acoustics and technical capabilities.

Crews will expand the Kreeger Theatre with four additional levels and a below-grade parking garage. The team will establish dedicated air spaces and place rubber isolation pads between the existing walls and slabs and the new concrete. A 45-ft glass curtain wall supported by custom wood columns will enclose the two existing theaters yet provide transparency between the exterior and interior spaces.

In addition, Clark is building a third, 200-seat theater. Cast-in-place, 90-ft-high concrete walls are constructed along eight different ellipse and radius layouts, with a four-degree outward slope. The scope of work also includes building support facilities, rehearsal halls, costume and set construction shops, offices, underground parking and a café.

Bing Thom Architects of Vancouver, British Columbia, designed the renovation. Concrete work by Clark Concrete Contractors of Bethesda, Md., includes 250,000 sq ft of wall forming and 140,000 sq ft of horizontal elevated deck.

The new campus is scheduled to open in June 2010.

Key Players

Owner: The Washington Drama Society, Washington, D.C.
Contractor: Clark Construction Group, Bethesda, Md.
Architect: Bing Thom Architects, Vancouver, British Columbia
Concrete Contractor: Clark Concrete Contractors, Bethesda, Md.