Massey Theatre Renewal
Proscenium is honoured to be working with the City of New Westminster on a multiphase Renewal of the Massey Theatre. In 2021, our firm completed an initial services connection project that made the building independent from an adjacent building slated for demolition. This paved the way for the theatre to receive much-needed upgrades as a stand-alone building. In 2022, we embarked on a three-phase renewal scope including roof and envelope upgrades to address thermal performance and water ingress, and life safety upgrades. We are proud to be working with the Rick Hansen Foundation audit to achieve above and beyond code requirements for accessibility.
Though the project centres on improving the safety, sustainability and accessibility of the building, our architectural team took advantage of opportunities to introduce aesthetic improvements within the scope area. This includes increasing the height of the parapets, adding generous windows at the entrance to restore the original architectural character, and achieving punchy, distinct expression through high-contrast paint and framing. Colour differentiation was used to highlight the three main entrances of the multi-use facility, allowing for better wayfinding. These subtle but strong design interventions serve to highlight and celebrate the strong modernist features of the Massey Theatre while simultaneously improving the day-to-day experience of users.
