Gonzaga University Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center

Gonzaga University’s College of Arts and Sciences engaged Auerbach Pollock Friedlander to undertake a Needs Assessment with the Dean and Chairs of the Art, Dance, Music and Theatre programs to understand the status of these units and their facilities. The Needs Assessment–a critical pre-design program phase–relied on extensive on-campus interviews and direct work with the Academic Vice President and Dean. The goal of the process was to delineate needs without prejudice in an initial “idealized program”.

Upon completion of the assessment, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander worked with the university to develop of the architect’s RFP and provided technical support in the evaluation of proposals. APF subsequently provided theatre and AV consulting through the design and construction process of the arts village project flagship, the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. Located on a site that overlooks the city of Spokane and the Spokane River, the Center features a mainstage theatre, recital hall, academic labs and practice facilities. The comprehensive plan includes development of an “Arts Village” comprised of the Woldson, the Jundt Art Center and Museum, a variety of academic labs and practice facilities along the west edge of the campus that will create an entirely new student precinct.

Architect: Pfieffer Partners
Acoustics: Threshold Acoustics
Size: 52,000 SF; 759 Seats (Mainstage Theatre); 168 Seats (Recital Hall)
Completion: 2019