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PROJECT DETAIL
Consisting of a 2,400-seat Ballet-Opera House, a 2,250 seat Symphony Hall and a 200-seat Studio Theatre at over 550,000 square feet spread over two city blocks, this project is among the largest performing arts centers ever built in the United States (both in terms of area and cost). Damian and Alec worked closely with the design Architect (Pelli, Clarke, Pelli) and their associate architect (GBBN) as well as with the contractors and Dade County's Project Director (Gail Thompson) and eventually Vital Management Solutions (Ron Austin).
In 2022, Stages completed a scoping study focused on theatrical systems to develop and execute comprehensive upgrades and improvements across the Arsht Center Complex. Stages developed a plan to modernize stage equipment throughout the campus. Projects for 2023 included new retractable platforms and upgrades to lighting fixtures and controls. Project for 2024 are planned to include a new orchestra riser palate and opera house railings. Stages is providing theatre planning services.
Location: Miami, FL
Architect: Cesar Pelli and Associates
Acoustics Consultant: Artec Consultants Inc
Theatre Consultant: Fisher Dachs Associates
Completion Date: 2006
Study Completion Date: 2022
Estimated Completion Date: 2026
theatre planning
theatre equipment
and lighting design
acoustics design
performance audio
and video systems
Damian joined the Design Team for this project as Artec's Project Manager just after the Architectural Competition in 1995, and worked closely with Artec's Founder Russ Johnson, the Miami Arts Community, Client, Architects, Engineers, and Theater Planners in development of the acoustical designs for these landmark facilities. He maintained oversight and responsibility for the acoustic and sound systems design for more than a decade before the project opened.
When Alec joined FDA, it was to take over this project which had just entered construction. In over five years of construction, nearly 7,000 RFI's and an untold number of coordination meetings, sketches and site memos, his expertise, tenacity and cooperative style helped to keep the project moving forward and contributed to its eventual successful opening.
Stages is providing theatre planning services for ongoing upgrades.
“The sound is impeccable, every seat's got a great view of the stage, and it's the best room in the city for classical music!”
- Miami New Times, May 31, 2012
“Top Ten Best Live Music Venues in Miami!”
–Miami New Times, May 31, 2012
“Second only to the Lincoln Center!”
–TravelandLeisure.com, November 2011
“A spectacular centre!”
–Le Monde (Paris)
“The Arsht Center has become the epicenter of our city’s overdue cultural renaissance.”
-Miami New Times, September 9, 2010
“The second largest arts center in the nation has transformed into a thriving venue.”
-NBC WTVJ Ch.6, September 16, 2010
“Arsht Center Theater Plan Rates an A-Plus!”
–The Miami Herald, August 30, 2010
“An integral part of our collective cultural landscape.”
-Sun Post, August 27, 2009
“A gleaming sign of art and intellect.”
-The Miami Herald, July 2009
“The very moment that ground was broken…downtown Miami’s real estate market turned gold.”
– Where Miami, May 2009
“[The Center] transformed Miami’s declining downtown areas into a new entertainment district and gave birth to a wall of high-rise residence towers.”
– Where Miami, May 2009
“The venue of choice”
–Miami Monthly, November 2008
“One of Florida's grandest stages!” (Knight Concert Hall)
-Jason Jeffers, FlavorPill.com, April 30, 2008
“A magnet for Florida’s cultural life”
-Arnold Ages, Jewish Post and Opinion, April 6, 2008
“When it comes to culture, Miami is now on the map.”
-The Miami Herald Editorial Board, March 27, 2008
“Miami's new cultural showcase is a jewel in the city's crown and reason enough for culture vultures from the north to head in the direction of the nearest airport.”
-William Littler, Toronto Star, March 8, 2008
