Luminary Arts Center
Shelter and MN Opera approached the Luminary Arts Center renovation with commitments to maintain the historic character of the theater and its surrounding North Loop neighborhood while also improving accessibility, inclusivity and safety. This theater renovation and space planning had to address needs of performers, technicians, audiences and others.
Luminary Arts Center
Shelter and MN Opera approached the Luminary Arts Center renovation with commitments to maintain the historic character of the theater and its surrounding North Loop neighborhood while also improving accessibility, inclusivity and safety. This theater renovation and space planning had to address needs of performers, technicians, audiences and others.
Designers created a bright, welcoming entrance and lobby, with large street-side windows to establish community connections. The floor plan invites attendees — including those using wheelchairs — to take in a spectacular view of the performance area two stories below. To access that level an elevator, formerly tucked away in a dark corner (barely noticeable without assistance), is now in plain sight adjacent to a grand stairway. Patrons choosing either method to descend wind up in the same spot. All restrooms are now gender-neutral, consisting of fully enclosed individual stalls and shared sink areas. Anyone may use any stall, which alleviates confusion and conflict, and helps ensure privacy and safety for all (including, not only trans and nonbinary users, but also caregivers who must accompany children or adults). Some stalls are wheelchair-accessible, and some include changing tables — including one sized for older children and adults. Performers’ dressing rooms, including showers, are gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible now, too.
Other changes put in place during the Luminary Arts Center renovation — including a new tension-wire lighting grid and a redesigned load-in area — have improved safety, efficiency and flexibility for performers and technicians. But, not everything in the space has changed. The stage still offers a stunning, dramatic stone backdrop. With recent renovations complete, there’s now a wider array of artists in front of it, mounting a broader range of productions to entertain, engage and educate a more diverse audience.
Completed
2022
Team
Shelter, MN Opera, LS Black Constructors, Quetica LLC, Meyer Borgman Johnson, Kirkegaard, NTH, Schuler Shook
Accolades
2024 ASID National Community FOCUS Award | 2024 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award
Photographer
