The additions and renovations to the Ocean County College Fine Arts Center are designed to consolidate the arts function within one building while also relocating a department that is currently off the main campus.
Two major additions were designed for the College: a front lobby addition to the theater, which includes a larger pre-function space at the lower level and a visiting artist gallery at the upper level - an important design element since it is the primary entrance to the campus; and the primary 20,000 square foot addition on the northern portion of the fine arts center. This addition includes faculty offices, classrooms and art studios designed for painting, drawing, sculpture, dirty arts and photography. A new stair and elevator connect the addition to the existing building. The “L” shape addition placed against the existing building forms an outdoor art gallery that can also be used for campus functions. A new 2,000 square foot black box theater is also featured. A linear ramp system was created that ties both additions to the existing building to accommodate ADA accessibility especially for senior citizens - the largest patrons of campus performances. The theater received a total retrofit including new lighting, acoustics and rigging. New buildings systems were also designed for the existing building including HVAC and electrical upgrades for a total of 36,000 sf in renovation work as well as roof repairs/replacement.
The major exterior materials are comprised of brick that matches the existing building, stucco, metal and glass. The project was designed to achieve a certified LEED rating by the U.S. Green Building Council.
