Eisemann Center for Performing Arts
| Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts |
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| General information | |
| Type | Performance hall |
| Location | 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°59′08″N 96°42′32″W / 32.9855°N 96.7090°W |
| Owner | City of Richardson, Texas |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 + basement |
| Floor area | 116,900 sq ft (10,860 m2). |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | RTKL & PMK |
| Main contractor | Hunt Construction |
Coordinates: 32°59′08″N 96°42′32″W / 32.9855°N 96.7090°W
The Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations is a performance hall which opened in September 2002 in Richardson, Texas. The center is named for local philanthropist, Charles W. Eisemann, in recognition of a US$2,000,000 gift from the Eisemann Foundation Fund of The Communities Foundation of Texas.
The Eisemann Center is designed to meet the needs of both the performing arts and corporate worlds. The Center features the Margaret and Al Hill Performance Hall, the Bank of America Theatre and the Bank of America Hall. All venues are supported by a generous lobby on three levels. Designed by architect Eurico R. Francisco, AIA, the building was honored with design awards from the American Institute of Architects in 2001 ("Unbuilt Honor Award") and again in 2003 ("Built Honor Award"), in addition to receiving a "Best of Texas Award" for buildings over $50 million from McGraw Hill in 2002. David Dillon, the late architecture critic for the Dallas Morning News and Architecture Record, described the Eisemann Center as "...bold, contemporary and every bit the civic showpiece that city officials have been hoping for. (...) Architect Eurico Francisco has based his design on classic modernist principles: light, transparency, clean details and honest use of materials. Not a faux column or cornice anywhere. Although the Eisemann does not break new ground, it covers familiar territory with grace and assurance. (...) Collectively, (these details) make the difference between a static building and a dynamic one. They force us to look at things a second time, to question and to explore, which is what good architecture is supposed to do."
The Margaret and Al Hill Performance Hall is a 1,563-seat venue, and is noted as one of the largest stage areas in the DFW Metroplex. The construction of this hall was designed to meet the production needs for any performing arts group producing dance, opera, musical theatre as well as other events. By featuring a full working stage house, an adjustable proscenium opening, orchestra pit and lift, customized Wenger orchestra shell, 4,815 sq ft (447.3 m2). of stage space, wood sprung floor and a full lighting and sound package, the Hill Performance Hall can accommodate most any production. The audience chamber was built with acoustically sculpted natural wood-clad walls which assist in diminishing sound vibrations for symphonic music, dance, theatre, opear and a wide range of concerts and other events.
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