The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Renovation

One of the Kennedy Center’s busiest venues, the Terrace Theater serves as the principal home for chamber music. This comprehensive renovation now enables the popular theater to support a broader range of programming while enhancing functionality, accessibility, and the overall theater experience for guests. Its modernization was the fourth major theater renovation at The Kennedy Center for which McMullan served as structural engineer.

For this specific endeavor, McMullan provided a comprehensive study and report for renovation recommendations with follow-on structural design and construction phase services to renovate this 485-seat theater. Our scope addressed providing additional accessible seating locations while maintaining its maximum seat count. Work also included extending the stage, replacing the orchestra pit and catwalk system, and adding an elevator to be hung from the floor structure. A unique feature incorporated into the design was an adjustable proscenium with movable panels, enabling reconfiguration of the stage size for the venue to serve as both a world-class musical recital hall and theater.

Transformed into a vibrant and versatile space, the Terrace Theater now boasts a warm and more intimate environment for patrons to enjoy a variety of music, dance, film, and lectures for years to come.

Awards

• ABC Metro Washington and Virginia Chapters Excellence in Construction Awards for Commercial Construction ($12-20 Million)

• NAIOP DC|MD Award of Excellence for Best Renovations

• Retrofit Magazine Metamorphosis Award for Interior Category (Inaugural)

• WBC Craftsmanship Awards for Acoustic Systems and Architectural Millwork

CULTURAL PROJECTS