Inspired by Sherwood’s commitment to make Old Town a success, we designed a new mixed-use community arts center where people can gather for both the arts and life’s milestone moments. The 16,000 square foot multi purpose venue integrates Old Town context while offering a fresh, modern take on a masonry civic structure, setting the stage for future commercial and residential growth. As Sherwood City Manager Joseph Gall put it, “We did not want to build a building that would only be used six times a year.” That mandate for variety shaped the interior experience. The center is designed to stay active, from performances to banquets, art exhibits to workshops, with spaces that flex to meet the community where it is. The Main Hall is an open, adaptable room for events, with a flat floor that allows close-up seating so performers can feel the energy of the audience just inches away. The hall’s design also nods to Sherwood’s industrial past while supporting high quality acoustics. Wood trimmed panels read as elements dropped into the space to frame the stage, while angled framing walls, perforated ceiling decking, and acoustic treatment panels behind fabric help tune the room for speech, music, and theatre. Back of house spaces were designed with equal care. Behind the stage, the makeup and Green Room include movable tables, changing stalls, open closets and cubbies for costumes, and a sink for clean up, supporting performers before and after curtain call. The art gallery serves as the heart of the center, giving the community a dedicated place to celebrate local artists. A distinctive masonry wall anchors the display, while the main lobby and internal hallways extend exhibit space with adjustable track lighting and an art display system that keeps community artwork visible throughout the building.