“What really matters most in a venue like this is creating an intimate relationship between the audience and the artist. Superb architectural acoustics, state of the art sound and lighting systems and impeccable sight lines reinforce this relationship. Interior finishes that include dark wooden finishes with bronze accents make for an elegant atmosphere.”  - Principal in Charge, Chris Wasney, FAIA

For this newly reimagined Menlo Park “jewel box” theater, CAW Architects sought to create a state-of-the-art performance space that emphasizes an intimate relationship between artist and audience alike. Specifically, a key design goal for client Peninsula Arts Guild was to create a suitable venue for larger, well-known artists who value performing in a smaller setting—an industry term known as “underplay.” To achieve this goal, CAW designed a 500-person capacity theater that replicates a traditional theater with a series of viewing terraces and stepped-down flooring, paired with a stage height of three feet, allowing performers to play to standing room crowds. Furthermore, a larger-than-typical stage for the theater’s size and superb artist amenities attract world class talent. 

For the interior architecture of the venue, the biggest design challenge, beyond creating clear sight lines and audience-artist intimacy, was managing the architectural acoustics. Architectural finishes were selected for maximum absorbency so that virtually no surface reflects sound back to its source. A deep walnut palette, which aesthetically makes for a dark yet warm interior, serves a second acoustical mission: each solid panel of walnut has holes and perforations that allow sound to pass through. Walnut “egg-crate” ceiling systems and wood wainscotting perform similar double duty. Walnut flooring, cut to reveal the end grain, proves a durable material that is both beautiful and virtually indestructible. 

The exterior of the fully remodeled theater underwent substantial new construction and was properly scaled for a zero setback that honored the fully restored historic blade sign and marquee. Most of the existing building was demolished with the exception of portions of two walls, which were painstakingly supported while a full basement was excavated for support space. Glazing was added to the facade to showcase the activity in both lower and upper lobbies on show nights. Interior heights were carefully designed around the need for specific theater systems and rigging above the stage. A flexible guardrail system in the balcony section allows for varied heights depending on the needs of the show, whether it is a seated or standing room event. The carefully programmed artist facilities address performers’ specific travel needs—everything from showers to a place to nap, eat and wash clothes—and were considered and designed for ultimate comfort.

The result is an utterly unique, reimagined venue that is now cherished more than ever by the local Menlo Park community and revered by concert goers and artists alike.