MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MILWAUKEE, WI
LA DALLMAN has had a decade-long relationship with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Beginning with an assessment of the existing theater entries, the Master Plan has evolved to include phasing for a new river walk, plazas, fountains, rain gardens, and building components, including a cantilevered glass-wrapped donor lounge to be inserted into an underutilized colonnade overlooking the Dan Kiley designed Chestnut Grove. LA DALLMAN completed the first built component of the Master Plan, a new plaza with built-in wood seating and rain gardens set between the building and the Milwaukee River.
LA DALLMAN also completed the historic renovation of Vogel Hall, one of three theaters in the building. The project also provided a new entrance pavilion to this mid-century iconic building, originally design by Harry Weese in 1969. Also known as the PAC to native Milwaukeeans, the Marcus Center is owned by Milwaukee County. The new entrance allows the original building to engage in the dynamic vitality of the Riverwalk. LA DALLMAN’s design work in the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall involved a full renovation of this beloved art deco theater, with a seating capacity of 475, to accommodate new uses. In addition to supporting traditional performing arts, the theater is designed for teleconferencing, meetings, seminars, new product introductions, dance programs, film screening and concerts.