WXPN – World Café Live

The HAJOCA building, once a major manufacturing plant rich with history, was converted to a three-story building for WXPN and World Café Live. It now houses a multi-level, full-service performance theater, soundproof radio broadcast/recording station, tenant offices, and a café/entertainment lounge. In addition to the complex design and multiple design teams, the rapid 12-month schedule was a challenge INTECH met by detailed coordination with inspection officials, trades, owners, and architects. The building shell remains intact, while a new steel structure creates an unobstructed view from the mezzanine to the performance stage. Sound-controlled walls, ceilings, and doors helped to mediate the many building uses – the new radio station alone uses acoustical partitions 14 inches deep.

Throughout this brief but intense construction phase, INTECH coordinated and managed the customization between existing and new construction, time and budget constraints, and multiple tenants and architects for this award-winning public venue.

INTECH returned for an expansion renovation that involved the conversion of existing back-of-house space into supplemental support space. The renovated space included a studio, green room, staff lounge, kitchen expansion, office, and storage rooms. A new HVAC unit serves the studio space, which required double wall construction, an acoustic window and doors, and fiberglass wall panels. The office and other spaces have open ceilings with exposed light fixtures, ductwork, and VAV boxes.