
Richland Performing Arts Center
This Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) project involved the development of a new 50,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center, designed to elevate arts education and cultural programming for the 27,000-student Richland Two School District. The centerpiece of the facility is a 1,175-seat auditorium featuring a full-height stage, a raised orchestra pit, and balcony seating. Its adaptable design includes dressing rooms that double as dance studios and a flexible rehearsal space ideal for black box productions. The lobby serves as an exhibition area, showcasing student visual arts projects and fostering creativity. Funded by a 2018 bond referendum, this cutting-edge facility supports performances, rehearsals, and exhibitions for students of all grade levels.
Durable and acoustically optimized materials were chosen to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal—terrazzo flooring for high-traffic areas and wood grain paneling to enhance sound quality. Future expansion plans include the addition of a dedicated black box theater, further broadening the center’s capabilities.
In addition to its role in student education, the R2 Performing Arts Center will host local and professional performances, establishing itself as a vibrant cultural hub for the entire community. This innovative venue enhances arts education while enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
Location: Columbia, SC
Delivery: CMR
Architect: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
District: Richland School District Two

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