Mansfield ISD Opens New Performing Arts Center
June 19, 2012
For the first time in many years, Mansfield ISD was able to graduate their students at home. This June, Mansfield ISD welcomed the Classes of 2012 from their six high schools, their family and friends to the newly completed Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts for their graduation ceremonies.
The construction of this state-of-the-art, $40 million facility was made possible due to significant savings in the construction of Mansfield Lake Ridge High School, the district’s newest high school that will open this fall, and other bond projects. Huckabee is proud to have served the district on the design of these facilities as well as over 60 other projects since 1989.
About the Facility
The new Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts is a dual-purpose facility that will serve not only students and staff, but the entire community. The fine arts portion of the building is a versatile 5,500-seat auditorium to be used for graduation ceremonies, convocation, choir, orchestra and band events; as a traditional theater for plays and “road shows;” and as a general auditorium for speaking engagements.
The professional development portion of the facility will be utilized by the entire district and includes six meeting rooms subdivided by moveable partition walls that each hold a minimum of 50 participants in a lecture style format, seating for up to 500 visitors for a banqueting event, three computer labs and a kitchen and break area.
Even though there is a vast size difference between the auditorium and the PDC, the overall design merges the two disparate parts into a singular identity while still acknowledging their functional differences. The use of innovative pre-cast concrete panels, low-e glass and aluminum fascia complement the flowing architectural lines and cascading mass of this large structure. A forecourt plaza collects visitors as they approach the facility, and a short set of stairs accentuates the procession up to a covered walkway that leads to the central entrance tower. Inside the main lobby, visitors proceed directly into the PDC or into the auditorium.
As a multi-purpose facility, the auditorium has several different seating configurations. The largest arrangement accommodates 5,500 visitors with additional seating for 500 on the stage for honorees or graduating seniors. Other seating includes the main floor level, the balcony and two side wings. This arrangement minimizes sight line distances compared to traditional straight stage configuration. The performer or speaker is surrounded by a 200-degree sweep of guests.
The main house acoustics is zoned for the various audiences ranging from 750 seats on the main floor area up to the fully expanded 6,000-seat venue. The sound amplification system accommodates single presenters, pop/rock/jazz/gospel concerts, musicals and other event types. Options for video support include two, 26-foot wide screens along with a large center stage screen.
When not in use for large events, the two side wings can be sectioned off with moveable panels to create two lecture halls, each with a capacity of 700. The rooms are outfitted with separate mechanical systems and controls, lighting, sound reinforcement and video capabilities.
