2024-04-28T11:31:57-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/83310286/leeser-transforms-historic-strand-theatre-into-brooklyn-s-newest-cultural-hub Justine Testado 2013-10-03T20:18:00-04:00 >2013-10-07T21:43:12-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/18/18khjxdd5pmova3f.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p> The BRIC House and UrbanGlass complex by <a href="http://www.leeser.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LEESER Architecture</a> opened its doors to the public on the morning of Oct. 2 in Downtown Brooklyn. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz were present to perform the ribboncutting at Brooklyn's newest creative space.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/gf/gfx1oatcwj0vr0i7.jpg" title=""><br><br> Back in 2008, Brooklyn-based LEESER won the chance to transform the historic Strand Theatre into what is now a 60,000 sq.foot venue for <a href="http://bricartsmedia.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BRIC Arts | Media</a>, a 35-year-old non-profit organization widely known for its interdisciplinary arts and media programs. The reconstruction project cost $35 million.</p> <p> An emphasis on community outreach and participation is evident throughout LEESER's redesign of the 1919 building. The central public-gathering and presentation area (known as The Stoop), the white-walled interiors, and the facility's spaciousness create an overall open environment that will be suitable for the venue's various events and functions.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/3k/3kw4c7eydmvkhnz8.jpg" title=""><br><br><img alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/31/31e2u762qm7q2btm.jpg" title=""><br><br> The House is also full of resources for B...</p>