Curtis Institute of Music – Lenfest Hall

The lack of adequate orchestral rehearsal space, practice rooms, and appropriate teaching studios, in addition to student housing and dining facilities, led the renowned Curtis Institute of Music to address the deficiencies by constructing a new facility. The new Music Education and Student Residence building was constructed on a 14,820 SF parcel formerly occupied by three existing structures on Locust Street. Two of the buildings, which were designated historical, had their façades stabilized and restored. The third building, between the two historic structures, was demolished.

The new building houses student and guest dining rooms as well as a student lounge on the ground level. Teaching studios and rehearsal spaces occupy the second level. The third and fourth floors contain additional teaching space, and the fifth through ninth floors are exclusively residential in a tower configuration. The project capitalized on the urban site’s prime location near mass transit, as well as recycling demolition and construction debris.