The new PAC will complement an existing facility at Harbor Lights Middle School, expanding the district’s capability to grow student performers as well as the potential to host professional performing companies. The scope includes an approximately 56,000-square-foot addition to the North High School centered around a 1,200-seat center focused on a stage with a full-fly loft. This premier performance program is augmented by a feature entrance lobby and secondary performance space, as well as a breadth of support spaces to ensure a high-functioning and flexible facility. The district was interested fundamentally in a building that is resilient and durable, but that conveys a high-end, professional performance venue for the community. In addition to the main stage, multiple areas within the center double as performance / multi-use spaces, including the front entrance lobby, the balcony space, and a monumental staircase in the lobby.

Wood treatments throughout bring a warmer, professional aesthetic to the performance venue, and layering less resilient materials and finishes slightly out of reach ensures they won’t be susceptible to damage. Structural concrete block is placed in strategic locations for durability. Most rooms are opaque and acoustically controlled for practice and performance, while glass is an important feature in the lobby area, establishing a welcoming transparent view into the center’s foyer from the road.

Supported by a 2019 bond initiative, the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center – much like the student performers and artists who will occupy the space – is a source of pride for the community and a facility that will become a central hub for the arts.

Connecting the Holland Community

In planning for more than 25 years, the ice rink project is finally coming to life thanks in part to a community member donation and a state-level grant. Situated on a previous refuse site, the soil conditions presented several challenges to the team, but has been stabilized for the new recreational use. The completed rink will act as another steppingstone that connects community spaces from the downtown area to the lakeshore waterfront.

Crafting a Unique Experience

The final design was influenced by input from the community during an open design workshop, as well as stakeholder tours from other prominent ribbon-style rinks in major cities. The WOW Park also features plenty of amenities including riverfront access, athletic fields, a boardwalk, the Sally Smoly Nature Playscape and more.

Increased Accessibility

Sequence II is planned to begin in the summer of 2024 and will include multi-purpose spaces that support fine arts and physical education. The new multi-use gymnasium will include a theater stage giving the school the flexibility to hold larger in-house fine arts performances and provides additional PE and theatre classroom space for each regular school day. A new student entrance will increase common areas for students to gather before, during and after school and will also provide a daily student drop-off, entrance and lobby area when hosting performances or community activities. A new music suite will also support Unity’s two bands and two orchestras. Alongside the new gymnasium, wrestling practice space will be created with additional bathrooms and locker facilities.

Engagement with the community and local businesses has ensured that materials and labor have stayed close to the school and those who support its mission. Generous community donations have made this project possible, and the sequencing will allow for fundraising to match the progression of a building construction while not interrupting the daily student schedules.