The Gordy, Houston
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: Gensler
AUDITORIA, ACOUSTICS AND STAGE LIGHTING DESIGNER, AND AUDIOVISUAL AND STAGE ENGINEER: Charcoalblue
MATERIALS
With the potential of three shows performing simultaneously, acoustical performance concerned the architects. They specified seven acoustical smoke vents from BILCO to limit noise from exterior sources. The vents also help firefighters bring a blaze under control by removing smoke, heat and gases from a burning building.
ACOUSTICAL SMOKE VENTS MANUFACTURER: BILCO
THE RETROFIT
The Gordy brings state-of-the-art theater technology to three new stages in a 66,850-square-foot building. The $35.8 million renovation of a former warehouse is the new home for Stages, a local non-profit repertory company that produces year-round shows and educational and community outreach programs. Stages previously operated out of a two-theater facility in a converted engraving factory with a separate building onsite for scenic construction and storage.
The Gordy encompasses a new building connected to the converted warehouse that together house three new theaters—the 251-seat Sterling Stage, the 220-seat Lester and Sue Smith Arena Stage, and the 125-seat Rochelle and Max Levit Stage. The Gordy also boasts two rehearsal rooms, a scene shop, double-height lobby, administrative workspace and function-specific production facilities. A 300-space parking structure is linked to the theater building by a covered walkway.
PHOTO: 2021 RECORDED SHADOWS