Jonah Sacks
Director, Architectural Acoustics Group
Studio A | Market Co-Leader
Principal
The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is a new, large, mixed-use development in the Downtown Cultural District of New Brunswick, New Jersey, created with the goal of transforming the district and reinforcing New Brunswick’s role as a regional hub for the performing arts.
At the center of the development are two state-of-the-art proscenium theatres: a 460-seat theatre with balcony, orchestra pit, and full fly loft, and a 260-seat theatre with mezzanine and partial fly. Both theatres (designed by Elkus Manfredi, with theatre consultant Auerback Pollack Friedlander) are equipped for a high level of theatrical production, from dramatic plays to musicals.To support resident and visiting artistic groups, rehearsal studios, teaching spaces, and offices are also included. A generous double-height lobby welcomes the public. Above the lobby and office spaces extends a residential tower with 207 apartments. Parking structure is located at the rear of the development.
Acentech’s acousticians provided sound and impact isolation consulting, activity noise control, and mechanical system noise and vibration control throughout the development.
The overall redevelopment project represents over $170 million in total investment and will be one of the most significant urban initiatives in the state. The project is a public-private partnership that includes Devco, Pennrose, the City of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, NJEDA, New Brunswick Cultural Center, Rutgers University, and New Brunswick Parking Authority.