Dogtown Dance Theater

For the past ten years, a current of interest in the revitalization of Manchester has spurred projects on Richmond’s southside, including rehabilitation of the 67-year old vacant Bainbridge School Gymnasium as a lively center for community enrichment. Formerly a gymnasium with ancillary classrooms serving the adjacent Maury School, the completed new use project opened its doors as Dogtown Dance Theatre in May 2010. By incorporating on and off site salvaged materials into the design we were able to stay true to the spirit of its original function and historical context. We honor the building as a work of art into itself: all new structure is made primarily of recycled content steel engaging the building in a manner that is distinct and designed for deconstruction. The design utilizes natural ventilation with an emphasis on improving the environmental quality for the dancers as well as the audience members. From its previous state of gradual decay, Dogtown Dance Theatre has blossomed into a locus of community and cultural vibrancy, with a physical vigor not unlike that of its former heyday.

Biodata

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Latitude: 37.33 N
Longitude: 77.27 W
Elevation: ~160 ft
Climate: Mixed-Humid
Sun Hours/Day: 4.5
Conditioned Area: 15,675 gsf
Year Complete: May 2010