NCRD Auditorium & Performing Arts Center

Location: Nehalem, Oregon
Services Provided: Design, Construction Documents, Construction Administration

The North County Recreation District is the heart of a small rural community on the Oregon coast. Built originally as an elementary school in the 1920s, it fell into decline after decades of hard use and was then purchased by the District in the early 2000s.  Since that time, NCRD has engaged in an ambitious and ongoing modernization project to save the historic structure while maximizing its usefulness to the community. In this spirit, funds were raised to convert the neglected auditorium in the basement of the gym to a dynamic, comfortable, and modern auditorium capable of hosting both local community theatre groups as well as visiting musicians, speakers, and entertainers. Work included significant structural upgrades, modifying the existing floor and circulation system to meet modern accessibility standards, new finishes, and completely new seating. DMX-compatible perimeter effect lighting integrates with the new theatrical lighting control system.