Brooklyn Academy of Music – BAM Fisher Building
Brooklyn, New York

GOAL
To expand the facilities of a 150 yr old performing arts center to accommodate the latest technology, flexibility and community uses.
CHALLENGE
To accommodate an educational theatre and support facilities on a constrained historic site that resumes re-use of an existing building facade.
OUTCOME
Received approval by NYC landmarks commision.

Founded in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn in 1861, The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has spurred the creation of the BAM Cultural District, a New York City initiative to create a hub of visual and performing arts activity in Downtown Brooklyn. The BAM Fisher Building will be located directly adjacent to the historic BAM Opera House on a site formerly occupied by the Salvation Army. The new building will build upon BAM’s foothold as a progressive performance and cinema center by increasing the organizations capacity and venue options. 

Jonathan Rose Companies is providing real estate advisory, project management and accounting services to BAM in support its goal of creating an inspiring 250-seat flexible performance space, rehearsal studio, classroom, workshop, and office space for education department and performing arts staff. Because of its status in a landmarked district, the façade of the existing building that will house the BAM Fisher Building will be maintained and restored. A portion of the interior will be reused, with new construction to occur behind and above, to accommodate the new program.

With the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs and the City of New York, the BAM Fisher Building will offer an affordable venue for hosting performances by emerging and cutting-edge talent, community events, and educational programs. Accessible to an eclectic group of constituents, the new building will facilitate community partnerships and engage the flow of people and ideas in a vibrant space. 

Designed to achieve LEED Silver and meet Local Law 86 for energy efficiency in design, the building’s sustainable features will include: no- or low-volatile organic compound materials, use of day-lighting and sun shades, storm water collection and re-use, energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems, building management systems, and a green roof.

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Firm Role
Civic Development

Project Profile
New construction and historic preservation for a cultural and community use facility that includes performance spaces, rehearsal/classroom/workshop facilities, rooftop amenities, office and support spaces

Project Team
Architect: H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture
Construction Manager: E.W. Howell Co.
Theatre Consultant: Auerbach Pollock Friedlander
LEED Consultant: ads Happold

Total Project Size / Budget
40,000 square feet / $52 million

Completion
2012