Ford Recital Hall
Youngstown Symphony Society
Youngstown, Ohio
![Ford Recital Hall, Exterior of new entrance pavilion](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Ext-58-2.jpg)
Size: 25,000 sf
Project Scope: Addition, Renovation
Delivery Method: Multiple Prime
Awards
2006 – Design Honor Award / AIA Eastern Ohio
The plan is organized off of an existing alley to the north of Powers Auditorium which becomes an armature for the new spaces. The parti forms a triad of three major spaces. The 600-seat recital hall fits into a slope topped, drum-shaped volume. A high bay lobby occupying a skewed box parallels the adjacent original theater lobby, connected to each other by a restaurant which is expandable through opening a series of pivoting glass panels. The panels hang on a suspended structure stabilized by counter-weighted cables and tension rods, an allegory of the physics of string music.
The northernmost space is a bar containing a new load-in/backstage area across from and perpendicular to the old stage. Dressing areas on the second level are connected to the old via a bridge in the alley. The southern end of the site contains a small city pocket park, with a bosk of dogwood trees, perfect for al fresco dining. The whole assemblage celebrates a great commercial heritage and revitalizes the street by creating a transparent reception area which showcases events.
![Ford Recital Hall, Auditorium](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Int-17.jpg)
![Ford Recital Hall, Interior of new entrance pavilion](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Int-07.jpg)
![Ford Recital Hall, Interior of new entrance pavilion](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Int-01.jpg)
![Ford Recital Hall, Exterior of new stagehouse](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Ext-50.jpg)
![Ford Recital Hall, Exterior of new entrance pavilion](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ford-recital-hall-Ext-44.jpg)
Related Projects
Explore additional work from our cultural architecture portfolio.